The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, acknowledged the remarkable achievement of Asmita Dey, who made history as India’s first judoka to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. This recognition took place during a reception ceremony organised by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports at Rabindra Bhavan in Agartala on August 13. The Chief Minister stated that her success has not only brought honour to the state but has also elevated India’s status in international sports.

During the event, Manik Saha presented a cheque of Rs 10 lakh to Asmita Dey on behalf of the state government. In addition, he handed over a document for land allotment to her family, signifying the government’s commitment to supporting athletes from the region.

In his address, Saha reflected on the pride Tripura felt when Deepa Karmakar was celebrated as the ‘Golden Girl’. He remarked that today, Asmita has emerged as a prominent figure in that legacy of success. Hailing from a humble background in Sonaichari village in Belonia subdivision, her achievements are attributed to her diligence and determination.

Acknowledgement of Asmita’s Struggles

The Chief Minister spoke about Asmita’s challenging journey and her family’s sacrifices while pursuing her ambitions. He emphasised that, during their meeting, he was moved by the hardships her father faced in ensuring her success. Upon realising Asmita’s housing difficulties, Saha, along with Sports Minister Tinku Roy, promptly decided to provide land for her family, marking a step forward in government support for athletes.

Manik Saha reaffirmed that even though Asmita is currently employed under the Uttar Pradesh Home Department, the Tripura government stands ready to assist her in any capacity. He assured her of ongoing support and highlighted the state’s dedication to nurturing sports talent.

Furthermore, Saha noted the significant improvements in sports infrastructure across Tripura, which he indicated was once in a poor state. The construction of modern facilities, including synthetic football fields and high-quality stadiums, has transformed the sporting landscape of the state, drawing admiration from athletes from other regions.

Promoting Sports and Its Importance

Emphasising the state’s progress, the Chief Minister mentioned that the government is honouring both current and former sports figures. He listed notable Arjuna Awardees such as Montu Debnath, Kalpana Debnath, and Somdev Debbarman, celebrating their contributions to sports. Saha stated that various sports infrastructures have been named in their honour to serve as inspiration for future generations.

Addressing the youth in attendance, Saha remarked that a holistic approach to development encompasses both education and sports. He encouraged students to recognise the importance of maintaining physical well-being alongside academic pursuits. Noting the abundance of talent in Tripura, he reiterated that local athletes have garnered recognition in various sports disciplines, both nationally and internationally.

He mentioned that there are significant opportunities for individuals to pursue sports professionally, encouraging students to consider sports as a viable career option. The event was attended by several officials, including Sports Minister Tinku Roy, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, and Youth Affairs and Sports Department Secretary Tapas Roy, among others.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share