Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Saturday inaugurated the Rangalal Das Memorial Indoor Sports Hall and unveiled a statue of Swami Vivekananda at the District Youth Affairs and Sports Office in Kailashahar under Unakoti district, asserting that sports play a vital role in shaping the character, discipline and self-confidence of the younger generation.
Addressing the inaugural function, the Chief Minister said the state government has been making continuous efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure with the aim of encouraging more youth to take up sports, thereby ensuring the overall development of future generations. He described the inauguration of the indoor sports hall during the Durga Puja festivities as a significant addition to sports and youth development in Kailashahar.
Dr Saha said the government has been naming sports infrastructure after eminent sportspersons and coaches from Tripura in recognition of their contributions. Such initiatives, he said, would inspire the younger generation by familiarizing them with the state's sporting history and distinguished personalities. Naming the indoor sports hall after renowned footballer Rangalal Das is also a tribute to his contribution to sports in the region.
The Chief Minister noted that the state has been developing modern sports infrastructure, including synthetic turf football grounds, athletics tracks and swimming pools. He said the newly built indoor sports hall at Kailashahar is part of this ongoing effort and has been equipped with facilities for sports training as well as administrative purposes.
Highlighting the social importance of sports, Dr. Saha said active participation in games can help prevent substance abuse among youth while fostering discipline, self-control, moral values and teamwork. Referring to the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, he urged young people to realize their inner potential and pursue clear goals in life.
The Chief Minister also said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the pace of development across the country has accelerated and the Tripura government has been working consistently for the state's overall progress. He said development projects worth around Rs 1,500 crore were inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid during the last financial year, while projects worth about Rs 1,200–1,300 crore have been launched so far in the current financial year.
Calling upon the youth to play a leading role in achieving the vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047' and 'Viksit Tripura 2047', Dr Saha said providing quality infrastructure, a healthy environment and adequate opportunities for the younger generation would be key to building a prosperous and developed Tripura.
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, who also addressed the gathering, said the modern indoor sports hall would provide local sports enthusiasts with better training facilities and create greater opportunities for nurturing talent in various indoor games. He expressed confidence that improved infrastructure would encourage more young people to pursue sports.
At the end of the programme, the Chief Minister felicitated Rita Bhattacharya, wife of late footballer Rangalal Das. Officials said the construction of the Rangalal Das Memorial Indoor Sports Hall was completed at a cost of Rs 5.26 crore. The programme was attended by Unakoti Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Amalendu Das, Kailashahar Municipal Council Chairperson Chapala Rani Debray, Unakoti District Magistrate Megha Jain, Director of Youth Affairs and Sports L. Darlong, and Unakoti Superintendent of Police Rishabh, among others.