**Agartala, Aug 29:** Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Saturday inaugurated the state-level National Sports Day programme at Badharghat Sports Complex, underlining the government’s efforts to promote sports and strengthen infrastructure for athletes across the state.
Addressing the gathering, Saha said the state government, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been working continuously to create greater opportunities for sportspersons and develop modern sports infrastructure in Tripura.
He said the government has sought to create a conducive and healthy environment for nurturing sporting talent by keeping the sports sector free from political influence. Sports, he added, play an important role not only in physical development but also in building confidence, discipline, ethics and leadership among young people.
The Chief Minister highlighted various initiatives aimed at helping talented athletes from Tripura compete successfully at national and international levels. He urged young people to participate actively in sports and said a strong sporting culture was essential for building a healthy, fit and disciplined society.
As part of the National Sports Day celebrations, Saha paid tribute to legendary hockey player **Major Dhyan Chand** and unveiled his statue at the Badharghat Sports Complex.
The presence of Dhyan Chand’s son, Olympian and Arjuna Award-winning hockey player **Ashok Kumar**, added significance to the occasion. His participation also served as an inspiration for young athletes and sports enthusiasts present at the programme.
Saha reiterated the government’s commitment to taking Tripura’s sports sector to greater heights by ensuring proper training, infrastructure and opportunities for talented sportspersons.
Sports Minister **Tinku Roy** said 16 synthetic turf football grounds have been developed at different locations across the state, while 20 natural-grass football grounds have also been created. He added that youth hostels, indoor halls and sports hostels are being constructed at several locations to further strengthen sports facilities.
Roy also announced that approval has been granted for a dedicated gymnastics coaching centre in Tripura, with the tendering process already completed. Construction is expected to begin after the monsoon.
He said Saha had proposed establishing a gymnastics academy in Tripura during a meeting with the Ministry of DoNER and had also written to the Prime Minister. According to Roy, the Prime Minister’s Office has communicated that appropriate steps would be taken.
MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, Sports Department officials, representatives of sports organisations, sportspersons, coaches, athletes and sports enthusiasts attended the programme.
