Khumulwng, July 6:
With football continuing to enjoy immense popularity across Northeast India, the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTTAADC) has launched the Thansa Cup Football Tournament 2026, positioning the sport as a key instrument in its campaign against substance abuse among the youth.
The tournament was inaugurated at the Khumulwng Stadium on Sunday by TTTAADC Chief Executive Member Runiel Debbarma in the presence of Minister of State Brishaketu Debbarma and other dignitaries.
Addressing reporters on the sidelines of the inaugural match, Runiel Debbarma said the Council has consistently given importance to sports during its tenure and intends to further strengthen sporting activities to keep young people positively engaged and away from the growing menace of drug addiction.
“Our focus is to ensure that the youth remain engaged in constructive activities. Sports is one of the most effective ways to keep them away from drugs. That is why, at the very beginning of our new term, we have launched this year’s first major football tournament, the Thansa Cup,” he said.
The CEM said the tournament has been named after Thansa, a revered ancestral figure, as a mark of respect to the region’s heritage and identity.
The tournament will culminate with the final on August 19. The champions will receive a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, while the runners-up will be awarded Rs 3 lakh. The third-placed team will receive Rs 1 lakh.
Debbarma said the initiative is part of the Council’s broader strategy to promote sports as a means of youth development and social transformation. Besides football, the TTTAADC also plans to encourage participation in cricket, volleyball, badminton and other sporting disciplines to channel the energy of young people into positive pursuits.
He said the Council views sports not only as a means of nurturing talent but also as an effective social intervention to address the increasing challenge of substance abuse in tribal areas by creating healthy recreational opportunities and fostering discipline among the younger generation.
The initiative was also part of celebrations of Tripura’s royal scion and TIPRA Motha party founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma ‘s birthday celebration.
The initiative comes at a time when football is dominating public attention across Northeast India as fans closely follow the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
The region has long been regarded as one of India’s strongest football belts, with the sport enjoying immense popularity across urban and rural communities alike. Seeking to harness this passion for a larger social purpose, the TTTAADC hopes that tournaments such as the Thansa Cup will inspire more young people to embrace sports, build discipline and teamwork, and stay away from the growing menace of substance abuse.
