Agartala (Tripura), June 28: Sports activities are flourishing across Tripura, with numerous cricket and football tournaments underway in Agartala and various sub-divisions.
This surge in sporting events is seen as a crucial step in the state’s fight against drug addiction among its youth, with the government actively encouraging participation.
Football Frenzy Across the State
Friday, June 28, saw at least four significant football matches unfold across different tournaments:
Agartala’s 2nd Division Football Tournament: Tripura Sports School delivered a strong performance, overcoming a formidable Birendra Club 2-1. This result leaves both teams tied for second place, boosting the chances of Oikatan Yuva Sangstha securing the tournament title.
Belonia’s One-Day Football Tournament (South Tripura District): Nine Bullets Club emerged victorious in an exhilarating final, defeating Vidyapith Boarding 5-4 in a tiebreaker.
Bagma’s Nine-a-Side Tournament (Gomati District): The Karna Manik Memorial Prize Money Knockout saw Pitra Kami clinch a thrilling win over Jir Kanta, also decided by a tiebreaker.
Jolaibari’s Inter-Panchayat Football Tournament (South Tripura District): Kalsi and Kowaifang successfully advanced to the quarter-finals.
The close scores in these matches highlight the intense competition and dedication of the participating teams.
Cricket Action Heats Up
Alongside football, four cricket matches were held across the state:
Tripura Cricket Association’s Senior Cricket Tournament (Plate Group): Sabroom sub-division kept their semi-final hopes alive by handing Khowai sub-division their third consecutive defeat. Moti Tripura of Sabroom claimed 7 wickets.
In another match from the same group, Belonia outsmarted Sonamura sub-division. Amarpur sub-division secured their first victory in the Plate Group tournament, defeating Gandachhara sub-division.
Teliamura Subdivision Cricket Association’s Inter-School Cricket Tournament: Ichharbil School dominated Moharchhara School, securing a comfortable 90-run victory.
Celebrating Achievements and Inspiring Future Generations
In a significant event for local sports, Rita Nag, Tripura’s first woman bodybuilder to win a bronze medal at the recent South Asian Bodybuilding and Fitness Competition in Bhutan, was felicitated. The event also aimed to inspire more young people to take up bodybuilding.
Looking Ahead: Hopes for National Recognition
Despite the evident enthusiasm and numerous state-level competitions, a notable challenge remains: Tripura’s football and cricket players have yet to achieve significant recognition on larger national sports platforms.
However, sports enthusiasts in Agartala are optimistic. Watching a competitive match of the second division football between Birendra Club and Tripura Sports School under the floodlights of Umakanta Stadium today, young football fans expressed confidence in the future of sports in Tripura, attributing it to improving sports infrastructure.
“With more advanced guidance and technical assistance, Tripura teams will gradually find their place, at least in National events,” commented Samar Pal and Surajit Debbarma, reflecting the collective hope that enhanced training and facilities will soon translate into greater success on the national stage.
