Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Thursday  said that Tripura's identity in the field of sports is highly acclaimed at the national level and with improved infrastructure, the state is witnessing excellence in various sports. 

“Tripura's identity in the field of sports is being particularly appreciated at the national level today. With the improvement of infrastructure, Tripura's crown is being adorned with feathers of excellence in various sports. Judo can increase physical fitness as well as discipline,” he said. 

The Chief Minister made this statement while inaugurating the 68th National School Games of Judo under-17 Girls at NSRCC, Netaji Chowmuhani, Agartala. 

At this event organized by the Department of Youth and Sports Affairs and the Tripura School Sports Board, Chief Minister Dr Saha said, “I thank the Minister of the Department and his team for organizing this national event in the state. They have also invited me to be present here. I am very happy to be here. On behalf of the state government, I welcome everyone present here. Judo is a sport that increases physical fitness. It also makes a person disciplined. Judo teaches us that true strength lies in our ability to overcome challenges, adapt to them, and show respect to our opponents.” 

He also expressed his gratitude to the School Games Federation of India for giving Tripura the opportunity to host this event. 

“The sports department has introduced Judo in six dedicated coaching centres in the state. Besides this, we have about five centres in other parts of the state. Every year, Tripura wins medals in Judo in the school-level national events. The School Sports Board organizes state-based games from the block level annually, with competitions for children under 14, 17, and 19 years,” he added. 

In addition, the Chief Minister urged all the competitors, their parents, coaches, and others who came to participate in the Judo event to visit the tourist centres of Tripura. 

The event was attended by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Tinku Roy, Secretary of the Department PK Chakraborty, Director Satyabrata Nath, Padma Shri Deepa Karmakar, and other dignitaries. 

Competitors from about 27 states of the country are participating in this national event. The four-day National Games will continue until December 15.