After taking the assignment of brand ambassador for Tripura Tourism, the legendary cricketer and former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly on his first day of Tripura has mesmerized youths of Tripura with a new hope worldwide publicity of enchanting beauties of Tripura tourism.

Soon after arriving aat Agartala airport, Ganguly was given a rousing welcome as ‘state guest’  and attended shooting for Tripura Tourism in front of Ujjayanta Palace.

Later, in the evening Ganguly signed the Agreement of Exchange in a simple ceremony in presence of Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury , Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) Dipak Majumder and top officials of Tourism department at the premises of Tripura State Museum, Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala.

Ganguly addressing a press conference after exchange of agreement said ‘it’s a great privilege to become a brand ambassador for Tripura tourism.” He said that in the year 1988, he first visited Tripura for playing cricket and after 35 years, become brand ambassador of the state is something different, emotional and a proud moment.

Expressing his gratitude towards the Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury for giving him the opportunity to promote and endorse Tripura Tourism, Ganguly said that he will do his best to highlight the tourism of the state in the world arena.

The beauties, tradition and culture of the state will attract people and Northeast always  is pride, said Ganguly and added that he was mesmerized  seeing the beauty of the royal palace.

"Bengal and Tripura have always had a soulful relationship and along with Tripura, I want to develop cricket in the state and will feel proud if I will be able to do something for the cricket of the state,” said Ganguly.

He urged the state government and authorities to complete the construction of the cricket stadium in Agartala and hope that one India will play its match in the cultural city of Agartala. He added that it will be a great opportunity for him to promote and develop the cricket of the state. He also appreciated the development of state cricket.

Ganguly said that international cricket matches could be held in Tripura as well. “Cricket is not a sport only but an emotion. India cricket tournaments can be organised here if there is a stadium. If such a match can be held in Assam, Kolkata, Bihar, then why not in Tripura?” he said.

Besides the Ujjayanta Palace, Ganguly will also visit Chabimura in Gomati district in his two-day visit.

Later, speaking in the press meet, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury highlighting the state’s ambition to bring Sourav Ganguly as brand ambassador of Tourism, hoped that Tripura Tourism will get fame across the globe and Mr Ganguly will spread the message of tourism across the globe. He also expressed his gratitude towards the Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha for making it possible for the development of Tripura Tourism.

Chowdhury said the state was planning to open new tourist destinations. “Sourav Ganguly will visit the other destinations in the state next time. We are hopeful of a smooth journey with him,” he said.

In June, a delegation led by Chowdhury met Ganguly at his Kolkata home. And Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha held a telephonic conversation with him and later said he had agreed to be the state’s tourism brand ambassador.

The government will get Rs 70 crore to develop Agartala and Unakoti district as tourism destinations under the central government’s Swadesh Darshan scheme.

During the programme, AMC Mayor, president of Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) Tapan Lodh, secretary of Tourism department UK Chakma and director of the department Tapan Kumar Das were also present.