Tripura honoured judoka Asmita Dey in Agartala with a Rs 10 lakh reward and land for her family after her historic international triumph. Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha praised her journey from a humble rural background and said her success could inspire a new generation of athletes across the state.
3 Key Takeaways
- Rs 10 lakh reward: The Tripura government honoured Asmita Dey with a cash award for her international judo success.
- Land for family: The government handed over documents for land allotment to help provide her family with a permanent home.
- Rural talent gets a role model: Chief Minister Manik Saha said Asmita’s journey showed that determination can take athletes from remote areas to the global stage.
Tripura on Tuesday celebrated one of its brightest sporting achievements by honouring judoka Asmita Dey in Agartala. The state government used the occasion not only to recognise her international success but also to highlight her difficult journey from a modest family in South Tripura.
Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha presented Asmita with a cheque for Rs 10 lakh at a felicitation programme at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan.
He also handed over documents related to land allotment for her family.
The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports organised the programme. Asmita’s coach, former trainers, sports officials and other dignitaries attended the event.
From Sonai Chhari to the international stage
Asmita comes from Sonai Chhari village under the Belonia subdivision of South Tripura. Her rise in international judo has given the state a new sporting identity.
Chief Minister Saha said Asmita had brought pride to both Tripura and India.
He compared her emergence with the sporting legacy of gymnast Dipa Karmakar. For years, people in Tripura have celebrated Karmakar as the state’s “Golden Girl”. Saha said Asmita has now established herself among the state’s leading sporting achievers.
He credited her success to hard work, focus and an unwavering determination to overcome challenges.
The Chief Minister also recalled the struggles faced by Asmita’s family.
He said he learned about her father’s difficult life during his interaction with the judoka. He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by her family during her sporting journey.
Land support gives family a permanent address
The felicitation also brought attention to a personal issue faced by Asmita’s family.
Saha said he and Sports Minister Tinku Roy decided to provide land to the family after learning about their housing difficulties.
The government has now followed through on that decision.
Documents relating to the land allotment were handed over during the programme.
Asmita thanked the Chief Minister and the state government for the gesture. She said her family needed a permanent address and that the decision had fulfilled an important need.
The athlete currently works under the Home Department of Uttar Pradesh. Saha assured her that Tripura would continue to support her despite her professional association with another state.
CM links Asmita’s success with rural talent
Saha said Asmita’s achievement carries a wider message for Tripura.
He said talented young people from remote areas can reach the highest levels of sport if they combine ability with determination and hard work.
Her story, he added, is also an example of women’s empowerment.
The Chief Minister urged students not to focus only on academics. He said sports play an important role in physical and mental development.
Tripura has considerable sporting talent, Saha said. Athletes from the state have already earned recognition in several disciplines.
He also pointed out that young people can now consider sports as a career.
State expands sports facilities
The Chief Minister also highlighted the transformation of Tripura’s sports infrastructure.
He said the state once faced serious shortcomings in facilities for athletes. The situation has changed considerably.
Modern synthetic football grounds, hockey facilities and upgraded stadiums have come up in different parts of the state.
Saha said athletes from outside Tripura have also appreciated the improvements.
The government, he added, is recognising the contributions of both current and former sportspersons. Several sports facilities have been named after prominent athletes to preserve their legacy and inspire future generations.
He specifically mentioned Arjuna Award winners Montu Debnath, Kalpana Debnath and Somdev Debbarma.
Sports Minister outlines next phase
Sports Minister Tinku Roy said Asmita’s success has opened a new chapter for Tripura sports.
He said the state has witnessed major changes in sports infrastructure since 2018.
Roy said the government is now developing modern facilities in different districts. He pointed out that Tripura previously lacked adequate infrastructure for indoor sports.
A modern sports complex at Bholagiri Sports Ground is among the projects planned. Approval and funding have already been secured, according to the minister.
Construction will begin soon, he said.
Roy also highlighted the Chief Minister’s Talent Search Scheme. The programme provides financial assistance to around 30 to 40 promising young athletes every year for advanced training.
The state is also developing tennis courts, synthetic football grounds and modern swimming pools.
Asmita remembers coaches and family
Asmita said the welcome she received after returning to Tripura had moved her deeply.
For her, the affection from people in her home state was more emotional than the medal itself, she said.
She credited Tripura Sports School with playing an important role in her development. She also remembered her early coaches and thanked Yashpal Solanki, her coach in Bhopal.
Asmita also spoke about the recent loss of her father. She thanked her family, coaches and supporters for standing behind her throughout her career.
Addressing young athletes, she stressed hard work and discipline. She said following the guidance of family members and coaches can help young sportspersons achieve even difficult goals.
She also promised to work harder and perform better in the future.
Dipa Karmakar recalls Asmita’s early determination
Padma Shri awardee Dipa Karmakar praised Asmita during the programme. Karmakar recalled meeting Asmita during her early days at Tripura Sports School in 2014-15. She said Asmita had shown an intense desire to achieve something special even then.
According to Karmakar, the felicitation is only the beginning of Asmita’s longer journey. She said the judoka’s success would motivate many young people across Tripura. Asmita, coach Yashpal Solanki, who serves as High Performance Director at the Sports Authority of India, and her former coaches were also felicitated.
Agartala Municipal Corporation and other organisations honoured them during the programme. Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, Youth Affairs and Sports Department Secretary Tapas Roy and department director L. Darlong were among those present.
