Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Tuesday said that the present government has given priority to the development of the sports sector so that children can progress further in the field of sports.

“The current state government has given priority for the development of the sports sector. The government is continuing its efforts so that children can progress further in the field of sports. Because if children connect with sports, the mind will be good along with the body and also very good for society,” said Dr Saha.

Dr. Saha said this while inaugurating the illumination of floodlights at the Umakanta Mini Stadium, Agartala, organized by the Tripura Football Association (TFA).

Dr Saha said, “Today is a really happy day as this day will be marked in the history of Tripura football for the floodlight installation. The state government has given top priority to the sports sector. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sees sports as one of the priority sectors. The state government is also working in that direction in Tripura. A synthetic turf ground has already been constructed at the Umakanta Mini Stadium for the development of the sports sector. Besides this, synthetic turf ground is being constructed in different parts of the state,” he said.

Dr Saha said that Rs. 5 crore is being spent to build each field. And for a long time, there was a demand to arrange floodlights in the field.

He said that due to the Youth Affairs and Sports Department and the Public Works Department, this work was possible.

“Besides, I would like to thank the Tripura Football Association for coming forward to implement this project. Through the implementation of this project, from now on, children will get the opportunity to play sports here through day and night shifts. It will be more beneficial for all,” he said.

The Chief Minister also said that there is no shortage of talent in Tripura and the government has paid special attention to the development of football and athletics.

“For this purpose, the government has taken initiatives for the infrastructural development of the sports field, including the construction of synthetic tracks and swimming pools. That trend will be maintained in the future,” he added.

Eminent social worker Rajib Bhattacharya, Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) Mayor Dipak Majumder, sports department officials, and other prominent people were present along with the Chief Minister at the event organized on this occasion.