Kamalpur, Aug 3: Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Sunday announced that the state’s first international cricket stadium, currently under construction at Narsingarh near Agartala airport, is likely to be completed by December this year.
Speaking at a public event held in Kamalpur, located in the Dhalai district, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of keeping sports and athletes free from political interference. “Sports should unite us, not divide us. Politics must not enter the playing field,” he said.
The event was also attended by Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, local MLA Manoj Kanti Deb, TCA Secretary Subrata Dey, TCA Advisor Tapan Lodh, and several other dignitaries.
Had a wonderful interaction with Shri Jishu Sengupta, renowned actor of Bengali cinema.
We engaged in a wide-ranging discussion on Tripura’s immense potential in tourism and the development of the film industry in the state.
His insights were valuable, and I look forward to… pic.twitter.com/qf0gYzD0jt
— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) August 3, 2025
Highlighting the government’s commitment to nurturing sports talent, Dr. Saha stated that the state administration, in collaboration with the Tripura Cricket Association (TCA), has been actively investing in the development of sports infrastructure.
The focus, he said, is on providing equitable access to facilities for talented youths across all regions, particularly those from rural and remote areas.
He described the upcoming cricket stadium as more than just a physical structure—calling it a symbol of the state’s broader vision for development through sports. “Our goal is to bring cricket and other games closer to the youth and ensure merit-based opportunities,” Saha added.
Reflecting on the past, the Chief Minister alleged that sports, particularly cricket, had long been plagued by favoritism and political manipulation. “Many skilled cricketers were overlooked due to political bias. Even selection for the Ranji Trophy was influenced by political connections under the previous regime,” he said.
Dr. Saha credited the political change in 2018 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for ushering in an era of merit-based governance in Tripura. “Talent, not political affiliation, should be the criterion for selection. We are committed to transparency in recruitment and sports,” he said, adding that the current government has ensured employment opportunities through fair procedures.
He further revealed that the government plans to develop well-equipped cricket grounds in various parts of the state to encourage practice and performance. “Tripura has no shortage of talent, but structured training is crucial. Even the stadium project faced hurdles due to the previous government’s obstructive politics. We are steadily overcoming those challenges,” he remarked.
