Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on October 17 inaugurated an indoor sports hall named after veteran footballer Rangalal Das at the Unakoti District Sports Complex in Kailashahar, Unakoti district. The initiative aims to strengthen sports infrastructure and encourage young people to participate in sporting activities.
During the visit, Saha also unveiled a statue of Swami Vivekananda near the District Youth Affairs and Sports Office.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the state government was developing sports facilities across Tripura to nurture sporting talent and support the overall development of young people.
He added that naming sports infrastructure after prominent sportspersons and coaches was a way to honour their contributions and familiarise younger generations with the state’s sporting heritage. The decision to name the Kailashahar indoor sports hall after Rangalal Das, a noted footballer from the town, reflects this approach.
Saha highlighted several other sports facilities named after personalities who have contributed to sports in Tripura. These include the synthetic athletics track at the Dashrath Dev State Sports Complex, named after Dev Bhakti Jamatia; the synthetic hockey ground at Badharghat, named after coach Swadeshpriya Nandi; and the synthetic football ground named after Pratul Bhattacharya.
The synthetic athletics track at Panisagar has been named after Dr Arunabha Roy, while the youth hostel in Ambassa bears the name of Madhusudan Saha.
The government is also expanding sports infrastructure through synthetic turf football grounds, athletics tracks and swimming pools, with support from the Youth Affairs and Sports Department, the Tribal Welfare Department and district administrations.
Emphasising the wider benefits of sports, Saha said participation could help young people develop discipline, self-control, teamwork and self-confidence. He also highlighted the role of sporting activities in discouraging substance abuse and encouraging a positive outlook among the youth.
Referring to Swami Vivekananda’s teachings, the Chief Minister urged young people to develop inner strength and pursue their goals with determination.
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, Unakoti Zila Parishad Sabhadhipati Amalendu Das, Kailashahar Municipal Council chairperson Chapla Rani Debray, Unakoti District Magistrate Megha Jain, Youth Affairs and Sports Department director L Darlong and district Superintendent of Police Raishab were among those present at the inauguration.