Agartala: In a groundbreaking effort to nurture young sporting talent, the State has successfully concluded the Tripura talent search program for promising athletes.
Organized by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, the initiative, which kicked off on February 4, witnessed an impressive participation of 34,571 young athletes from 247 zones spanning all blocks, municipal councils, urban panchayats, and municipal corporation areas across the state.
The program aimed to identify and groom budding sports stars from the grassroots level, marking a significant milestone in Tripura’s sporting landscape.
This was announced by the state’s Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Tinku Roy, during a press conference held at the Secretariat’s press conference hall on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Tripura Talent Search Program : A First-of-Its-Kind Grassroots Initiative
Speaking to the media, Minister Tinku Roy emphasized the uniqueness of the program, stating, “For the first time in the state, we have undertaken a comprehensive talent hunt across the state to unearth athletes with exceptional potential right from the grassroots.
Our goal is not just to identify talent but to nurture it systematically, ensuring these young athletes become the pride of Tripura and India in the years to come.”
The program targeted children in two age categories—10 years and 14 years—who showcased their skills in popular sports such as football, kho-kho, kabaddi, and athletics.
Participants were drawn from diverse regions, including rural blocks and urban centers, ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunity for all.
From Local Fields to District Showdowns
The talent search unfolded in multiple stages, beginning with local-level competitions across all municipal councils, urban panchayats, blocks, and municipal corporations.
The standout performers advanced to subdivision and district-level contests, where their abilities were further tested.
This rigorous selection process ensured that only the most promising athletes moved forward, setting the stage for a grand finale.
During the press conference, Minister Roy revealed that the culmination of this effort—a state-level competition featuring the best young athletes selected from district rounds—will take place on March 21, 2025, at the iconic Umakanta Ground in Agartala.
“This event will be a celebration of talent and determination,” he said, inviting sports enthusiasts to witness the emergence of Tripura’s next generation of champions.
Technology Meets Talent: The TSSB Live App
To streamline the talent search and ensure transparency, the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports collaborated with the Information Technology Department to launch a dedicated mobile application called TSSB Live.
This innovative app has been instrumental in managing the program, allowing organizers to create a comprehensive database of all 34,571 participating athletes.
The database includes detailed profiles, performance metrics, and progress tracking, offering a valuable resource for future training and development programs.
Presenting data from the state’s eight districts, Minister Roy highlighted the scale of participation and the diversity of talent uncovered. “This app is a game-changer,” he remarked. “It not only helps us keep track of every participant but also ensures that no talent goes unnoticed.”
Building a Brighter Future for Sports:
The minister expressed optimism about the long-term impact of such initiatives. “Programs like these are stepping stones to a brighter future for Tripura’s athletes,” he said.
“By identifying latent talent early and providing them with better training opportunities, we are paving the way for enhanced sporting skills and greater success on national and international platforms.”
He also hinted at plans to establish advanced training facilities and coaching programs to support the selected athletes in the coming years.
Youth Parliament: Empowering the Next Generation
In addition to the sports talent hunt, Minister Roy announced another significant event aimed at empowering Tripura’s youth.
A state-level Youth Parliament competition is scheduled for March 23, 2025, at the Tripura Legislative Assembly. Forty talented individuals aged 15 to 25, selected from the state’s eight districts, will participate in this prestigious event.
Launched in 2019, the Youth Parliament initiative draws inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
It seeks to engage young minds in nation-building by fostering a sense of patriotism and encouraging them to articulate their ideas for India’s progress.
“This platform allows our youth to think critically about advancing our country and contributes to shaping future leaders,” the minister noted.
The top three participants from the state-level Youth Parliament will earn the opportunity to represent Tripura at the national-level competition in Delhi later this year, further elevating the state’s presence on a larger stage.
A Day of Service: Mega Blood Donation Camp
As part of the March 23 events, the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports will also organize a mega blood donation camp at Umakanta Ground.
Described as a “community service milestone,” the camp aims to bring together youth, officials, and citizens in a collective effort to give back to society.
“This is not just about sports or debates; it’s about building a responsible and compassionate generation,” Minister Roy emphasized.
Additional programs are also planned to mark the day, though specific details are yet to be unveiled.
The press conference saw the presence of key figures from the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, including Secretary Dr. P.K. Chakraborty and Director S.B. Nath. Their involvement underscored the state government’s commitment to fostering youth development through sports and civic engagement.
