Agartala (Tripura), June 8: The Sonartari Second Division Football League kicked off with a wave of nostalgia and excitement at Umakanta Mini Stadium on Sunday evening, as Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated the tournament, evoking memories of the vibrant football culture of the 1970s and 80s. The opening match, a pulsating 2-1 victory by Oikatan Yuva Sangstha over Skylark Club, set the tone for an exhilarating season under the stadium’s floodlights.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Dr Manik Saha highlighted the state government’s commitment to revitalizing sports in Tripura, crediting the Tripura Football Association for rekindling the electrifying atmosphere that once defined local football. “In the past, our players faced challenges competing outside the state, and organizers struggled to complete matches on time. The introduction of floodlights has transformed this, enabling day-and-night games and timely schedules,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized Tripura’s rich talent pool, particularly among tribal communities in remote areas, and reaffirmed the government’s goal to nurture high-caliber athletes.
“Sports keep the body and mind healthy while fostering good character. The more our youth engage in sports, the closer we get to a drug-free Tripura,” he added, urging all sections of society to embrace athletic activities.
The opening match showcased the intensity Dr. Saha described, as Oikatan Yuva Sangstha, faced off against Skylark Club, coached by Chandan Sen, in a fiercely contested battle. Both teams played aggressive football, with relentless competition for ball possession keeping spectators on edge.
The first half ended goalless, with neither side breaching the opposition’s defense despite creating several chances. The tide turned in the second half when Oikatan’s Bhakta Sadhana Jamatia scored a stunning goal in the 50th minute, igniting the crowd. Skylark responded with determination, equalizing in the 75th minute through Alex Darlong’s well-taken goal.
Just as fans anticipated a draw, Oikatan mounted a decisive counterattack, with Amit Jamatia netting the winning goal five minutes from the final whistle, securing a 2-1 victory.
The match was not without its tense moments, as referee Tapas Debnath issued yellow cards to Oikatan’s Manojit Singh Barua, Raj Chandra Jamatia, and John Jamatia, alongside Skylark’s C. Malsawmthunga, to maintain order. The hard-fought win positions Oikatan Yuva Sangstha, last year’s Third Division champions, as strong contenders for the Second Division title, while Skylark Club, last season’s runners-up, showed their competitive spirit.
The tournament inaugural ceremony was attended by Sports Department Director S.B. Nath, Information and Cultural Affairs Director Bimbisar Bhattacharjee, Tripura Football Association president Pranab Sarkar, Secretary Amit Choudhury, and other officials. The event formal inauguration concluded with Dr. Saha and former footballer Liton Miah kicking off the match, officially launching the tournament. With infrastructure improvements and a renewed focus on sports, Tripura’s football scene is poised for a vibrant season, promising more thrilling encounters in the days ahead.
