Agartala, December 26, 2025: Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Thursday inaugurated the Sansad Khel Mahotsav 2025 at Dasharath Deb Sports Complex, Badharghat, emphasizing the importance of sports in ensuring both physical and mental well-being.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief Minister said that engaging in sports fosters positive thinking, relieves stress, and helps children develop holistically. He urged parents to encourage their children to participate in sports alongside academics.

The event has been organized jointly by the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports and the West Tripura District Administration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the festival virtually from New Delhi, interacting with players from different states and delivering an address that was broadcast live. Before the inauguration, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries listened to the Prime Minister’s speech. They also paid floral tribute to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Dr. Saha noted that the festival is being held on the Prime Minister’s advice to connect children and youth across states with sports and provide them opportunities to showcase their talent. He highlighted initiatives such as 75 Border Villages Kranti Veero Ke Naam, Pariksha Pe Charcha, and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam aimed at fostering mental growth and patriotism among students and youth.

He expressed hope that the Mahotsav would revive traditional Indian games that the younger generation has nearly forgotten, while also giving children from villages and hills a platform to shine in sports.

Former Chief Minister and MP Biplab Kumar Deb, present as a guest of honor, stressed that children must be involved in sports from an early age to improve their quality of life and build a mindset to contribute positively to society.

Youth Affairs & Sports Minister Tinku Roy, in his welcome address, outlined the government’s initiatives for sports infrastructure development in the state. He informed that eight synthetic turf grounds and 40 new grass fields have already been constructed, with several projects underway to further strengthen facilities.

The event was attended by Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, Paschim Tripura Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Biswajit Shil, MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, AMC Deputy Mayor Monika Das Dutta, West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, Padma Shri gymnast Dipa Karmakar, and Joint Director of Youth Affairs & Sports T. Mog, among others.

Later, the Chief Minister kicked off the football competition with the inaugural kick and hoisted the flag of Sansad Khel Mahotsav 2025, marking the start of various sporting events.