The main event to mark the National Sports Day commemorating the birth anniversary of the legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand was held at NSRCC in Agartala on Thursday.
“Initiatives have been taken to identify talented players from the village level in the state. Only by bringing forward skilled players in the state can we truly honor legendary sports figures”, said secretary of the Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Department Dr PK Chakraborty after inaugurating the event.
He highlighted several schemes like Khelo India Scheme, Mukhyamantri Sports Development Scheme and Mukhyamantri Talent Search Scheme implemented by the Tripura Government to nurture the young talents.
Among others, Joint Director of the YAS Paimong Mog, Joint Secretary of Tripura Sports Council Swapan Saha, Arjuna Award-winning player Mantu Debnath; and Chairman of Tripura Olympic Association Ratan Saha,were present in the programme.
Before the start of the event, the guests paid tribute to the renowned hockey player Dhyan Chand by offering flowers to his portrait.
Following the inaugural ceremony, financial awards were given to eight players and four coaches who won medals in various sports in 2023 and 2024.
Among the awardees were Olympian gymnast Dipa Karmakar, who received Rs 3 lakh; chess players Arshiya Das and Aradhya Das, who received Rs 2 lakh each; para-swimmer Bineet Roy, who received Rs 1 lakh; para-swimmer Samir Barman, who received Rs 50,000; footballer Merin Jamatia, who received Rs 50,000; footballer Shreya Deb, who received Rs 50,000; and cyclist Bapi Debnath, who received Rs 50,000.
Moreover, coaches Bishweshwar Nandi (gymnastics), Deepak Das (archery), Nikhil Saha (athletics), and Maniklal Deb (judo) were honored with Rs 10,000, shawls, trophies, and mementos.
A minute of silence was observed in memory of the victims of the recent floods.
The event was presided over by Satyabrata Nath, Director of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Also, the Sports Board and Physical Education Department of Tripura Central University jointly organized a grand observance of National Sports Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand.
The event kicked off with the offering of floral tributes and lighting of lamps at the statue of Major Dhyan Chand.
Distinguished dignitaries including Dr. Prashanta Kumar Das, Dr. Sudip Das, Dr. Sanjib Bhowmik, Dr. Krishnendu Dhar, Dr. Pavan Kumar Singh, and university coach Madhu Manik Lodh attended the occasion. Speakers highlighted the significance of this day.
Following the inaugural ceremony, various sports competitions including badminton, basketball, and volleyball were held. Students from all departments of the university, both male and female, participated enthusiastically.