By Firstdespatch Desk Jun 02, 2026
Agartala, June 2 (FD) Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has announced that the state government is moving ahead rapidly with plans to establish a modern international-standard cricket academy while also accelerating the construction of the international cricket stadium at Narsingarh. The Chief Minister said that a suitable location for the proposed cricket academy has already been identified and efforts are being intensified to ensure timely completion of the stadium project.
Dr. Saha made these remarks while inaugurating a cricket kit bag distribution programme organized by the Tripura Cricket Association with the support of the State Bank of India at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala. During the event, 108 cricket kit bags were distributed among junior-level students, club members, coaching centre trainees, and players participating in various BCCI-recognized tournaments.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of sports in shaping both physical and mental well-being. He said that sports such as cricket help unite people beyond differences of religion, language, and ethnicity, fostering patriotism and national unity. According to him, participation in sports creates an atmosphere of harmony and mutual respect among communities.
Highlighting the achievements of legendary Indian cricketers such as Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and Sachin Tendulkar, Dr. Saha urged young athletes to draw inspiration from their dedication, discipline, sacrifice, and love for the nation. He praised the Tripura Cricket Association and SBI for supporting budding cricketers through the kit distribution initiative.
The Chief Minister stated that the state government has been continuously investing in sports infrastructure development. Over the past eight years, nine synthetic sports grounds have been established across Tripura, while plans are underway to construct two more. Improved sports facilities have already been developed in areas including Ambassa, Ganganagar, Udaipur, and several other locations.
To further strengthen sports development, the government plans to build a 200-bed hostel at the Sports School in Badharghat, Agartala, for talented young athletes from different parts of the state. Additionally, two multipurpose indoor halls will be constructed in Kailashahar and Udaipur.
Dr. Saha stressed that infrastructure alone is not enough and called for proper coaching and training facilities to ensure that athletes can fully realize their potential. He noted that the state government has included several sports infrastructure projects in its 2026-27 development plans.
Among the major initiatives, a 30,000-seat gallery is proposed at Dasarath Deb Stadium in Badharghat. The government is also implementing programmes such as the Chief Minister's Sports Development Project and the Chief Minister's Sports Talent Search Scheme to identify and nurture promising athletes.
The Chief Minister reiterated that, with support from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the international-standard cricket stadium in Agartala is being developed to host major cricket tournaments. He expressed confidence that the proposed cricket academy and advanced sports infrastructure would create new opportunities for young athletes and help establish Tripura as a prominent destination on India's sporting map.
Dr. Saha concluded by reaffirming the government's commitment to supporting talented sportspersons and building a "Viksit Tripura" in line with the broader vision of a developed India by 2047. He said the state's ultimate goal is to ensure that Tripura's youth achieve success across all sporting disciplines and bring pride to both the state and the nation. FD SB