Agartala, August 30 — Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Saturday underscored the importance of quality coaching and continuous practice to nurture the state’s abundant sports talent. He was speaking at the state-level observance of National Sports Day at the Dasarath Dev State Sports Complex in Badharghat.
Dr. Saha said Tripura has no shortage of talented players, but their skills need proper guidance and discipline to flourish. “Players must focus more on practice, and coaches play a vital role in shaping them through proper training. Good coaching is as important as talent itself,” he remarked.
Reflecting on the past, the Chief Minister noted that sportspersons in the state were not given due respect earlier. However, under the present government, several initiatives and schemes have been launched to support athletes. “Previously, players were neglected, but our government has ensured recognition and welfare for them. We are committed to building an environment where sports are given priority,” he added.
Highlighting recent achievements, Dr. Saha praised the performance of Tripura’s athletes at various competitive levels. He said the government is investing heavily in developing sports infrastructure across the state, enabling players to avail modern facilities to enhance their performance. “Infrastructure is the backbone of sports development, and we are ensuring its availability across Tripura,” he said.
The Chief Minister advised athletes to remain focused and avoid distractions or temptations that could derail their careers. He stressed the importance of staying updated with technological advancements in training methods, urging coaches to integrate new techniques to improve efficiency.
In a move to boost morale, Dr. Saha announced that the government is actively exploring possibilities of offering job opportunities to players based on their achievements on the field. This, he said, would not only motivate young athletes but also provide long-term security to those dedicating their lives to sports.
“Confidence, discipline, and the right training will help our players shine at the national and international level,” Dr. Saha said while encouraging youngsters to pursue sports with dedication.
The event was attended by Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Tinku Roy, Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, Secretary P.K. Chakraborty, and other senior officials, alongside coaches and budding athletes.
