Agartala, July 03: The first ever Synthetic Athletic Track of Tripura was inaugurated at the Regional College of Physical Education (RCPE), Panisagar in North Tripura district under ‘Khelo India Scheme’ on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has dedicated the new facility- Dr. Arunava Roy Synthetic Athletic Track in presence of Sports Minister Tinku Roy and other dignitaries.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the Chief Minister said, in a move to develop the sports infrastructure in the state, a proposal of Rs 38.55 crores has been sent to the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) to set up a Sports Complex of international standard.

“We are planning to set up an international standard sports complex consisting of one natural football ground, a swimming pool, and multipurpose sports halls. We have sent a proposal for Rs 38.55 Crores to DoNER. We are also working on the development of six grounds including galleries. Under the Khelo India Scheme, we will set up multipurpose sports halls in Dharmanagar, Khowai, Ambassa, Sepahijala, and Belonia,” he said.

During his visit to the North Tripura district, the Chief Minister also inaugurated several other projects including new building of Panisagar HS School.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saha said that the state government has given special attention to the development of the sports sector alongside the education sector.

“Since the inception of our government, several synthetic turf football fields, swimming pools, sports complexes, and other sports infrastructure facilities have been set up across the state,” he said.

Dr. Saha mentioned that the state government is planning to set up an international standard sports complex at Bholagiri in Agartala.

He also informed that under the Mukhyamantri Sports Development Scheme, a series of initiatives have been undertaken for the development of sports. Nesides, in NSRCC, Agartala, we will set up a basketball and volleyball court, an indoor hall, and the Office of the Sports Department will be set up at Teliamura under Khowai district, said Dr. Saha.

“Athletics consists of different types of sports. This synthetic athletic track will benefit athletes in the future. The state now has various facilities. Tripura is progressing in the fields of sports, health, agriculture, etc. This government is working towards development under the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said.

He added that the state government has emphasized various modern management techniques to make sports more popular among people. 

“Due to the development of adequate infrastructure, now the sportspersons have many benefits and they are able to do well,” he added.

MLA Binay Bhushan Das, MLA Jadab Lal Nath, secretary to Youth Affairs and Sports Department PK Chakraborty, and others were present.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister inaugurated several other projects including Kanchanbari PHC at Fatikroy, District Institute of Education and Training(DIET) at Jalabasa and Veterinary Dispensary at Kanchanbari, Fatikroy.