Photo Courtesy: tripuratimes
Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha led the state-level National Sports Day event at the Badharghat Sports Complex on Saturday. He emphasized that sports build physical strength, confidence, and discipline in the youth. During the ceremony, the Chief Minister paid tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand and dedicated a statue to him at the complex. Ashok Kumar, the Olympian son of Dhyan Chand, attended the event to mark the occasion.
The Chief Minister noted that the government works to keep the sports sector clear of political interference. He stated, "Sports play an important role not only in physical development but also in building confidence, discipline and a sense of ethics among the youth." Saha added that the state aims to help local talent compete on national and international stages under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sports Minister Tinku Roy outlined specific infrastructure improvements during the gathering. The state has already developed 16 synthetic turf football fields and 20 natural-grass grounds. Officials are also currently building new indoor halls and youth hostels across the state. Furthermore, the government secured approval for a dedicated gymnastics coaching centre. Tendering for this facility is finished, and crews will start building once the monsoon season ends. This project follows direct advocacy from Saha to the Ministry of DoNER and the Prime Minister.
Local leaders, including MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, joined sports officials, coaches, and athletes at the complex. The administration continues to seek new ways to grow the state sports sector.
Updated at 30th August 2026 at 1:48pm
Beyond the sports field, the Chief Minister shifted focus to employment and infrastructure on Sunday. At an event in Agartala, he handed out offer letters to 16 new drivers for the Fire and Emergency Services Department. He stressed that these roles demand honesty and dedication to public service rather than just a paycheck.
The government also pushed local economic initiatives for women. Officials handed out sewing machines and a 2,000 rupee stipend to 180 trained beneficiaries under the Agartala Municipal Corporation to help boost their earning power. During the same session, the Chief Minister inaugurated a new fire station at Manubankul in Sabroom. This facility marks the 52nd fire station in the state, aiming to settle a long-standing demand for better emergency coverage in the region.
Updated at 30th August 2026 at 5:48pm
Beyond the new Manubankul fire station, the government has three additional stations prepped for launch in the coming days to bolster emergency response capabilities. The administration also broadened its economic outreach for women. Beyond the 180 beneficiaries in the capital, over 300 women across four zones have now received sewing machines and technical training to bolster their livelihoods.
Before the Sunday event at the Muktadhara Auditorium, the Chief Minister and other state officials tuned into the 137th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' radio broadcast. The Chief Minister described the show as a vital link for the public to share ideas and track national success stories. Minister Sudhanshu Das added that the broadcast helps spread word on emerging projects, such as the Bharat Rajya website for regional history and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which brings solar power to remote tribal areas like those inhabited by the Reang communities.
Updated at 31st August 2026 at 1:48am
Lok Sabha MP and newly appointed BJP national general secretary Biplab Kumar Deb returned to the state on Sunday to a massive welcome from party workers at the Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport and a felicitation event at the Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan. Deb, who played a key role in ending the 25-year Left regime, told supporters that his rise to national office is a victory for the party's grassroots workers and tribal leaders.
Addressing the crowd, Deb urged every party cadre to spend an hour each day visiting five households. He stressed that maintaining this personal touch is the key to keeping the BJP in power. He also used the platform to honor former party members Nishikanta Chakma, Gour Hari Molson, and Shyam Hari Sharma, noting that they lost their lives during the political turmoil of the previous administration.
Deb brushed aside questions regarding the potential return of the CPI(M), claiming they hold no future in the state because they offer no clear agenda for growth or employment. While acknowledging his friendship with Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Kishore Manikya, he stated that party interests remain paramount and that leadership has assigned two representatives to manage ongoing talks with the alliance partner.
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