MP Biplab Kumar Deb Attends Parliamentary Standing Committee Meeting in Kochi
Politics Has No Place in Sports, Merit Comes First: CM Dr. Manik Saha
Dec 15, 2025Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Monday asserted that politics has no role in Tripura’s sports ecosystem and that merit alone is given top priority under the present government.
Inaugurating the Khelo Tripura Para Games 2025 at the Dasharath Deb Sports Complex in Badharghat, the Chief Minister said that athletes with disabilities are a powerful example of courage, confidence and determination for society. He stressed that physical limitations can never be a barrier to talent or success.
“Being divyang is not a limitation. What is required is strong determination, focus and regular practice. Sports has no caste, religion or discrimination—it unites people and builds discipline, mental strength and self-respect,” Dr. Saha said.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to inclusive sports, the Chief Minister said the state is implementing the Khelo Tripura programme in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Khelo India initiative. Special emphasis is being placed on modern sports infrastructure, training facilities, equipment and financial assistance for para athletes.
Dr. Saha noted that the Khelo Tripura Para Games, launched in 2023, has been progressing successfully every year and has earned widespread recognition across the state. “Earlier, sports did not always receive due importance. Today, talent is recognised above all else in Tripura,” he added.
He further remarked that overcoming life’s challenges requires strong mental resolve, stating that mental strength is often more important than physical ability. The Chief Minister said Tripura has emerged as a progressive state under the Prime Minister’s HIRA model, Act East Policy and Ashta Lakshmi vision, which have accelerated development in the Northeast.
Calling upon athletes and their guardians to build self-confidence, Dr. Saha said sports also play a vital role in keeping youth away from addiction and wished all participants success in the Para Games.
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy said the Para Games began in 2023 and the government is working actively for the welfare of divyang persons. He informed that over 43,000 UDID cards have been issued, covering nearly 95 per cent of eligible beneficiaries, enabling access to social pensions and other welfare schemes.
Youth Affairs and Sports Secretary Dr. P.K. Chakraborty said para athletes from Tripura are making the state proud at various levels and expressed confidence in a bright future for sports in the state.
The event was attended by Social Welfare Secretary Tapas Ray, Chief Administrator of the Paralympic Committee of India Colonel Amuk Singh, MLA Meena Rani Sarkar, Sports Director L. Darlong, Social Welfare Director Tapan Kumar Das, Olympian and Padma Shri awardee Dipa Karmakar, among others.
During the programme, meritorious divyang students from the Madhyamik and Higher Secondary examinations were felicitated. Symbolic distribution of marriage grants, Nirmala Health Insurance cards, social security pensions and assistive devices was also carried out.
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