The Chief Minister made the remarks while addressing a reception ceremony organised in honour of Asmita Dey by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala. At the ceremony, he handed over a cheque of Rs 10 lakh to Asmita Dey on behalf of the state government. A land allotment document was also handed over to her family.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Saha said the people of Tripura had so far known gymnast Deepa Karmakar as the state\u2019s \u2018Golden Girl\u2019 and taken immense pride in her achievements. \u201cToday, Asmita Dey has established herself as the second name in that list. Coming from a very ordinary family in Sonaichari village of Belonia subdivision in South Tripura, Asmita has made Tripura\u2019s name shine on the world stage through her hard work, concentration and indomitable willpower. Her success is a matter of pride for the entire state,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Recalling Asmita\u2019s struggles, the Chief Minister said he had learnt about the difficult circumstances faced by her family. He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by her family in supporting her sporting career. After learning about her housing difficulties, Saha and Sports Minister Tinku Roy decided to provide land to her family, which was implemented on Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Although Asmita is currently working under the Uttar Pradesh Police Department, the Chief Minister assured her that the Tripura government would always stand by her and extend all possible support.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Highlighting the development of sports infrastructure in Tripura, Saha said the condition of facilities had once been poor but had now changed radically. \u201cModern synthetic football fields, hockey fields and high\u2011quality stadiums have been developed in the state. Sportspersons from different states are also impressed by the development of Tripura\u2019s sports infrastructure. The state government is also honouring successful sportspersons,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He added that initiatives were aimed not only at encouraging the current generation but also at recognising the contribution of renowned sportspersons, including those no longer alive. \u201cVarious sports infrastructures have been named after many sportspersons, which will serve as an inspiration to the future generation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Chief Minister also highlighted the contribution of Arjuna Awardees Montu Debnath, Kalpana Debnath and Somdev Debbarman. Addressing students present, he said overall development was not possible if education remained confined to academics alone. \u201cA healthy mind lives in a healthy body. Therefore, along with studies, students should also give importance to sports. There is no dearth of talent in Tripura. The state\u2019s sportspersons have already earned a reputation in various disciplines, and their achievements have been appreciated both in the country and abroad,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He added that initiatives were aimed not only at encouraging the current generation but also at recognising the contribution of renowned sportspersons, including those no longer alive. \u201cVarious sports infrastructures have been named after many sportspersons, which will serve as an inspiration to the future generation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 23\u2011year\u2011old became India\u2019s first\u2011ever judo gold medallist by beating Canada\u2019s Heidi Quach 2\u20111 thanks to a dramatic Golden Score, which secured her the women\u2019s 48kg title at the Commonwealth Games 2026. Asmita was born on March 22, 2003, in Belonia, South Tripura district, and comes from a modest family. She is the daughter of Arjun Kumar Dey, who ran a bicycle repair shop, and initially took part in the 800 metres before a coach introduced her to judo after noticing her potential. Her father died a few years back.<\/p>\r\n\r\n