More than 250 young athletes from eight districts joined the BSF’s 12-km state-level Spandan marathon in Teliamura on Thursday, where Tripura sportsperson Dipa Karmakar urged wider sporting opportunities for youth and stressed the role of sports in promoting fitness and fighting drug addiction.
Key Takeaways:
- Dipa Karmakar called for sports events to be organised in every district of Tripura.
- More than 250 boys and girls from eight districts took part in the 12-km Spandan marathon.
- Karmakar said sports can build mental and physical strength and help keep young people away from drugs.
Eminent Tripura sportsperson Dipa Karmakar has called for more sporting events across the state to motivate young athletes and promote healthy living.
Karmakar made the remarks at the 12-km state-level marathon ‘Spandan’ organised by the Border Security Force (BSF) at its Sector Headquarters in Khasiamangal, Teliamura, on Thursday.
The event focused on physical fitness and healthy living. More than 250 boys and girls from all eight districts took part in two categories.
The marathon began at the BSF Sector Headquarters. Participants followed a designated route through different parts of the area. They later returned to the Sector Headquarters to complete the 12-km race.
Karmakar praised the BSF for organising the event. She also appreciated the participation of young athletes from different districts.
She said prizes and cash awards could give young participants additional motivation to continue with sports.
“I want people from every section of society to come forward and take part in sports. Sports is a field that can make the entire country proud,” Karmakar said.
Dipa Karmakar wants sports events in every district
Karmakar also praised the cultural programme held alongside the marathon. She particularly appreciated the performances by children from different schools.
She said such programmes should not remain limited to one location. She called for similar events in every district of Tripura.
“I have come to Teliamura after a long time. I want such programmes to be organised in every district,” she said.
According to Karmakar, regular sporting events can create greater motivation among young sportspersons. They can also give children more opportunities to discover and develop their sporting abilities.
Her remarks came as India continues to focus on expanding participation across sporting disciplines. She referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games in India.
Karmakar said the country still has several sports in which Indian participation remains limited. She stressed the need to encourage children to take up different sporting disciplines.
Sports can help fight drug addiction
Karmakar also highlighted the importance of sports in keeping young people away from drug addiction.
She said youth participation in sports needs greater encouragement. Sporting activities, she added, can make children stronger both physically and mentally.
“Sports is a field that can make children mentally and physically strong,” Karmakar said.
She said education remains compulsory for children. At the same time, they need constructive activities beyond classroom learning.
She suggested sports, yoga and cultural activities as ways to keep children engaged. She said children should choose activities based on their interests.
Karmakar specifically mentioned athletics, gymnastics and yoga. She said regular participation could help children maintain physical and mental fitness.
“If children remain mentally and physically fit, they can face every challenge in life,” she said.
BSF uses ‘Spandan’ to promote fitness
The BSF said ‘Spandan’ aimed to spread awareness about sports, physical fitness and healthy living among the public.
The event attracted participants from different parts of Tripura. The runners and spectators showed considerable enthusiasm throughout the programme.
BSF DIG Rajpal Singh, Dipa Karmakar, Tripura Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, Khowai District Forest Officer and IFS officer Ashok Kumar, District Magistrate Rajat Pant, and other BSF officials and distinguished guests attended the event.
The participation of athletes from all eight districts gave the marathon a state-wide character. The BSF said the initiative sought to encourage people to adopt physical activity and make fitness part of everyday life.
Karmakar also thanked the organisers for holding the programme on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. She wished him good health and said continued efforts were needed to promote sports and support the younger generation.
The ‘Spandan’ marathon thus combined competitive running with a wider message on fitness, healthy living and youth engagement. Karmakar’s call for similar programmes across Tripura added a focus on creating more sporting opportunities at the district level.
