Agartala, July 26:
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Saturday expressed concern over the state’s underwhelming performance in cricket, despite receiving the highest level of funding and infrastructure support compared to other sports disciplines in Tripura.
Speaking at the annual get-together and felicitation ceremony of new life members of the Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) in Agartala, Saha, who is also the former president of TCA, urged the association’s current office bearers to introspect and identify the reasons behind the lack of success in cricket.
“There is no fund crisis in cricket; in fact, it enjoys the highest monetary involvement among all sports in the state. Parents are encouraging children to take up cricket. Yet, results are not reflecting that support,” said the Chief Minister.
He emphasized the need for financial transparency and hoped the newly formed TCA committee would ensure it.
Calling for a revamp in approach, Saha suggested that TCA hire the best available coaches and announced the government’s willingness to provide land for setting up a cricket academy in Tripura to nurture local talent.
Highlighting the broader importance of sports in shaping youth, Saha also expressed concern over rising cases of drug abuse and HIV-AIDS in Tripura.
He urged TCA to ensure that young cricketers are kept away from the influence of drugs and that sports be used as a tool to combat such social issues.
During the event, Saha distributed life membership certificates to several new members, including Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, former Justice of the Tripura High Court and current Tripura Human Rights Commission Chairman, and DIG Krishnendu Chakraborty.
Speaking at the occasion, Sports Minister Tinku Roy reiterated the government’s strong commitment to upgrading sports infrastructure in the state.
“Tripura’s athletes are now achieving success at national and international levels, and in the near future, they will also represent the country at global events like the Olympics,” he said.
Roy added that an international-standard cricket stadium in Agartala is nearing completion and will be ready for inauguration within the next two to three months, opening the door for national and international matches to be hosted in Tripura.
