Officials Fly, Players Struggle: Tripura’s Young Table Tennis Players Forced to Travel by Train Despite Back-to-Back National Matches
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, November 17, 2025
A growing concern has emerged over the stark contrast in travel arrangements made for government officials and for sportspersons representing Tripura at national-level competitions. While in almost all cases senior government officials routinely travel to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and other major cities by flight for official duties, young athletes, who represent the state at prestigious national tournaments,
are compelled to travel by train even when their matches are scheduled the very next day.
A fresh example of this disparity has surfaced with the participation of the Tripura State School Team in the 69th National School Games, 2025–26. The Directorate of Youth Affairs & Sports (DYAS) and Tripura School Sports Board have issued a notification finalizing the players selected for the Table Tennis Boys & Girls Under-19 category. According to the official communication, the students were directed to join a residential coaching camp from 3rd to 15th November, followed by participation in the National School Games scheduled from 21st to 25th November.
Despite the tight schedule and the importance of performing well on the national stage, the players and coaches have reportedly not been provided with flight tickets. Instead, they are expected to travel long distances by train journeys to J& K that take several hours or even days reducing their rest time, recovery, and preparation ahead of crucial matches.
This comes at a time when air travel for government officers has become a norm, even for routine meetings, seminars, or paperwork-related visits outside the state. Observers argue that if flight travel is considered essential for administrative convenience, it should be even more essential for players who carry the responsibility of representing Tripura in national events and bringing home medals.
Parents and sports enthusiasts have expressed disappointment, pointing out that young athletes deserve equal respect, dignity, and logistical support. They say that players who practice throughout the year, undergo rigorous training, and compete at national and international levels should not be put at a disadvantage simply because of inadequate travel arrangements.
The official letter lists the names of the finally selected U-19 boys and girls for Table Tennis, reflecting the state’s commitment toward grooming young talent. However, the lack of proper travel support contradicts the state’s stated goal of improving sports infrastructure and promoting sporting excellence.
Many now ask an important question:
If officials can fly for meetings, why can’t players fly to compete for Tripura?
Sports experts believe that ensuring proper travel, accommodation, and rest is not a luxury but a necessity for players. They stress that performance at the national level depends heavily on physical condition and mental readiness, both of which are affected by exhausting road or rail journeys.
With Tripura aiming to strengthen its presence in national games, stakeholders hope the state government will revisit its travel policies and ensure that sportspersons receive the respect, support, and facilities they deserve.
more news...