Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Minister Sushanta Chowdhury today formally inaugurated Bhagwan Birsa Munda Inter ST Hostels Football Tournament-2025, at Umakanta Football Stadium, Agartala. As a part of the Janjati Gaurav Varsh celebrations commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of the legendary tribal leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Tripura has organized this tournament. The tournament will continue till February 8, 2025. Among the esteemed dignitaries present in the inaugural programme were Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor & MLA Dipak Majumder, MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, Tripura Horticulture Corporation Chairman Jahar Saha and Tribal Welfare Department Secretary Brijesh Pandey.
The dignitaries present applauded the Tribal Welfare Department for organizing this tournament, which is aimed towards promoting sports among tribal youths. It will also serve as a significant step in combating the rising concerns of drug addiction in the State. This initiative not only promotes competitive sportsmanship but also aligns with the Government’s continuous efforts to uplift tribal youth through sports infrastructure and engagement programs.
The inaugural proceedings include Releasing of white pigeons as a symbol of peace and sportsmanship, March past of participating teams and Oath-taking by players, referees, and officials. The first match of the tournament was kicked off with an honorary first kick of football by the Chief Guest.
The Bhagwan Birsa Munda Football Tournament-2025 featuring 16 teams (8) boys’ teams and 8 girls’ teams) from various districts, competing for the championship trophy and prize money totaling 21 lakh for the winners. With several initiatives taken in recent years to enhance sports infrastructure, particularly in tribal-majority areas, the Tribal Welfare Department reaffirms its commitment to fostering sports excellence and promoting a healthier, drug-free future for the youth of Tripura.
The department has recently initiated the construction of three synthetic football grounds in Deoracherra (Unakoti District), Mungiakami (Khowai District), and Killa (Gomati District) a significant step towards expanding sports opportunities and encouraging greater youth participation.
