Agartala, January 03, 2025: Coaches of the Tripura Under-17 Table Tennis team have expressed their gratitude to Lok Sabha MP and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb for his timely intervention in ensuring confirmed railway tickets, which facilitated the smooth travel of the young players to and from a national-level tournament.

The team, comprising 10 boys along with coaches Biplab Chakraborty and Chaitali Datta, left for Chennai on December 20 to take part in the competition. The Tripura contingent delivered an impressive performance, defeating teams from three states in both individual and group events.

Highlighting the significance of hassle-free travel, coach Biplab Chakraborty said the confirmation of tickets helped the team remain focused on their matches without worrying about logistical issues. He credited MP Deb’s support for enabling smooth onward and return journeys.

Coach Chaitali Datta recalled anxious moments during the return leg when tickets from Kolkata to Agartala were initially unconfirmed. She said MP Biplab Kumar Deb promptly intervened, following which the tickets were confirmed. She also acknowledged the support of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, which issued a letter to the Railways to facilitate the process.

The coaches said the timely assistance not only ensured comfortable travel but also boosted the morale of the young players, contributing to their strong performance at the national level.