Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha felicitated Commonwealth Games gold medallist Asmita Dey, handing over a Rs 10 lakh cheque and land allotment document while praising her historic achievement and highlighting the state government’s growing support for sports and athletes.
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Asmita Dey was felicitated by the Tripura government at a special reception ceremony in Agartala, with Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha handing over a cheque of Rs 10 lakh and a land allotment document to her family in recognition of her historic achievement in international judo.
The reception ceremony was organised by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports at Rabindra Bhavan, where the Chief Minister praised Asmita for bringing glory to Tripura and the country through her remarkable performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saha said Asmita’s achievement had created history and made her a source of pride for the entire state.
According to the Chief Minister, Asmita Dey has become the second prominent name associated with sporting excellence in Tripura after celebrated gymnast Deepa Karmakar, who has long been regarded as the state’s “Golden Girl.” He said Asmita’s journey from an ordinary family in Sonaichari village under Belonia subdivision of South Tripura to the international sporting stage was an inspiring example of determination, discipline and perseverance.
Dr. Saha recalled learning about the challenges faced by Asmita and her family during an earlier interaction with the young athlete. He particularly referred to the difficult circumstances of her father and acknowledged the sacrifices made by her family throughout her sporting journey.
The Chief Minister said that after learning about Asmita’s housing difficulties, he and Sports Minister Tinku Roy had taken a decision to extend government support by providing land to her family. The land allotment document was formally handed over during the felicitation ceremony.
Along with the land allotment, the state government also presented Asmita with a cheque of Rs 10 lakh. The gesture was described as recognition of her outstanding contribution to Tripura’s sporting reputation. Although Asmita is currently working under the Home Department of Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Saha assured her that the Tripura government would continue to stand beside her and support her future endeavours.
The Chief Minister also used the occasion to highlight the transformation of sports infrastructure in Tripura. He said the state had previously faced serious shortcomings in facilities available to sportspersons, but the situation had changed significantly in recent years.
According to Dr. Saha, modern synthetic football grounds, hockey fields and high-quality stadiums have been developed across the state. He added that sportspersons visiting Tripura from other states have also appreciated the improvements in the state’s sports infrastructure.
The Chief Minister said the government’s efforts were not limited to supporting active athletes. He noted that the state has also been recognising the contributions of celebrated sportspersons, including those who are no longer alive. Naming sports infrastructure after accomplished athletes, he said, would help preserve their legacy while inspiring future generations.
Dr. Saha also recalled the contributions of Arjuna Awardees Montu Debnath, Kalpana Debnath and Somdev Debbarman, highlighting their role in strengthening Tripura’s sporting identity.
Addressing students attending the ceremony, the Chief Minister stressed that education and sports should go hand in hand. He said the overall development of an individual cannot be achieved through academic education alone and emphasised the importance of maintaining a healthy body along with a healthy mind.
“There is no dearth of talent in Tripura,” Dr. Saha said, pointing to the achievements of athletes from the state in different sporting disciplines. He added that Tripura’s sportspersons have earned recognition not only within the country but also on international platforms.
The Chief Minister further said that sport can now be pursued as a professional career, providing young people with opportunities to build successful futures through their talent and dedication.
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The felicitation of Asmita Dey marks another significant recognition of Tripura’s emerging sporting talent. Her Commonwealth Games gold medal has brought national attention to the state’s athletes, while the government’s financial assistance and land allotment underline its commitment to encouraging sportspersons to pursue excellence at the highest level.
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Sports Minister Tinku Roy, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, Youth Affairs and Sports Department Secretary Tapas Roy, Department Director L. Darlong and other officials and dignitaries were present at the ceremony.
