Tripura will get synthetic athletic track as part of the State Government’s endeavour to improve sports infrastructure in the State. The 8-lane and 400 meter long synthetic track will be constructed under the ‘Khelo India’ scheme at an expense of Rs 7 crore.

 

Youth Affairs and Sport Minister of Tripura Sushanta Chowdhury laid foundation stone for the construction of the track at Dasharath Dev State Sports Complex in Agartala on Friday.

 

Incidentally, this was Chowdhury’s first programme as the Minister of the department. He was inducted in the Tripura council of ministers on Tuesday last.

 

Speaking on the occasion of foundation stone laying ceremony, Chowdhury pointed out the State Government’s commitment to steps for improving position of Tripura in arena of sports in the country. He also said, his department would take necessary steps to bring a positive change in the in Sports sector.

 

“Tripura has to make steady progress in sports- this is the first and topmost criteria. We have to work together with an innovative and positive mindset. There is no place for any negativity,” the Minister said.

 

In Tripura, there is no dearth of talents; we need to nurture them properly so that the state can progress and reach new heights in the sports arena, he said.

 

“If the talents are nurtured in the proper way, Tripura will definitely make progress in the country in terms of sports. Many other talents like Olympian Dipa Karmakar are hidden in various parts of the state. We have to identify and nurture those talents,” Chowdhury said.

 

He, however, said for nurturing talents we need adequate infrastructure which the government is committed to harness.

 

“The State Government will take steps on improving sports infrastructure with the valuable advice and suggestions from the former players”, the Minister said.

 

 It is expected that the project will get a final shape in one year. The synthetic track would be brought from Germany.

 

Sabhadhipati of Paschim Tripura Zilla Parishad Antara Sarkar Deb, Olympian gymnast Dipa Karmakar and others were present in the programme.