By Firstdespatch Desk Feb 05, 2025
Agartala, Feb 05 (FD) Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury today formally inaugurated the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Inter ST Hostels Football Tournament-2025 at Umakanta Football Stadium, Agartala. As part of the Janjati Gaurav Varsh celebrations commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of the legendary tribal leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Tripura, has organized this tournament. The tournament will continue until February 8, 2025.
Among the esteemed dignitaries present at the inaugural program were Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor & MLA Dipak Majumder, MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, Tripura Horticulture Corporation Chairman Jahar Saha, and Tribal Welfare Department Secretary Brijesh Pandey.
The dignitaries applauded the Tribal Welfare Department for organizing this tournament, which aims to promote sports among tribal youths. It also serves as a significant step in combating the rising concern of drug addiction in the state. This initiative not only fosters competitive sportsmanship but also aligns with the government's ongoing efforts to uplift tribal youth through sports infrastructure and engagement programs.
The inaugural proceedings included:
- Releasing white pigeons as a symbol of peace and sportsmanship
- A march-past by participating teams
- Oath-taking by players, referees, and officials
The tournament's first match was kicked off with an honorary first kick of the football by the Chief Guest.
The Bhagwan Birsa Munda Football Tournament-2025 features 16 teams (8 boys’ teams and 8 girls’ teams) from various districts, competing for the championship trophy and a total prize money of ₹1 lakh for the winners.
With several initiatives taken in recent years to enhance sports infrastructure, particularly in tribal-majority areas, the Tribal Welfare Department reaffirms its commitment to fostering sports excellence and promoting a healthier, drug-free future for the youth of Tripura. The department has recently initiated the construction of three synthetic football grounds in Deoracherra (Unakoti District), Mungiakami (Khowai District), and Killa (Gomati District)—a significant step toward expanding sports opportunities and encouraging greater youth participation.