AIU East Zone Inter-University Championship inaugurated by Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu; Dipa Karmakar and Mantu Debnath felicitated; university outlines plans to strengthen sports infrastructure
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, November 11, 2026
In a significant step towards expanding Tripura’s presence on the national sporting map, Tripura University is hosting the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) East Zone Inter-University Basketball (Women) Tournament 2026–27 for the first time. The five-day championship, bringing together around 600 women players representing 40 universities across 14 States, is expected to provide a major platform for sporting competition, cultural exchange and the promotion of women’s participation in sports.
Governor and Rector of Tripura University, Indrasena Reddy Nallu, formally inaugurated the tournament at the university campus on Wednesday evening. Vice-Chancellor Professor Debabrata Das was also present at the inaugural ceremony. The event was marked by the felicitation of two distinguished sportspersons from the State — Padma Shri awardee and Olympic gymnast Dipa Karmakar and Mantu Debnath, Tripura’s first Arjuna Award recipient — in recognition of their contributions to Indian sports.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor described the participation of women athletes from different States as an important expression of national integration and women’s empowerment. He said sporting competitions offered more than opportunities to win medals, helping young people develop discipline, perseverance, confidence, leadership and mutual respect.
Referring to the Central Government’s proposed allocation of ₹36,000 crore for sports development over the next three years, including initiatives such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Fit India, he highlighted the importance of sustained investment in sporting infrastructure and athlete development. He also referred to enhanced cash incentives offered by the State Government to medal-winning athletes.
The Governor emphasised that identifying sporting talent at an early age was essential to building a strong sporting ecosystem. He called for systematic talent scouting at the school level, with particular attention to tribal communities and remote areas of the State. Access to specialised coaching, modern facilities and exposure to national and international coaches, he said, could help young athletes realise their potential.
Drawing an analogy from the Mahabharata, he referred to Arjuna’s concentration and dedication to underline the importance of sustained practice and self-discipline in achieving excellence. He cautioned the participants against doping and warned them about the risks associated with prohibited substances, contaminated food supplements and irresponsible consumption of unfamiliar products. Athletes, he said, must remain vigilant about practices that could jeopardise their careers and sporting integrity.
Highlighting the growing role of women in competitive sports, the Governor cited Dipa Karmakar as an inspiration for aspiring athletes. He urged the participants to compete with determination on the court while maintaining mutual respect and solidarity outside it. Winning, he observed, should not come at the cost of sportsmanship, teamwork and character.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Debabrata Das said hosting the AIU East Zone Inter-University Women's Basketball Tournament marked an important development in the university’s efforts to strengthen its sporting profile. He highlighted the achievements of university athletes between 2023 and 2026 in disciplines such as kho-kho, cricket, yoga, pencak silat and jujitsu.
Referring to the university’s recent performance at the East Zone Inter-University Judo Championship held in November, he said its athletes had secured five gold, one silver and four bronze medals, reflecting the growing competitiveness of the institution's sporting teams.
The Vice-Chancellor also outlined the university's plans to expand its sports infrastructure. A newly established gymnasium is already operational, while proposals are under consideration for an indoor stadium, a synthetic athletics track, a modern cricket ground and a sports rehabilitation laboratory.
He said the proposed facilities would help create a more structured environment for training and competition. Strengthening infrastructure, he added, was essential to ensuring that sporting achievements were supported by sustained institutional investment and opportunities for athletes.
Professor Das also emphasised the broader educational value of sports, describing competitions as platforms for developing teamwork, leadership, cultural understanding and lasting friendships. He urged participants to view defeat not as a measure of failure but as an opportunity for learning, resilience and personal growth.
The felicitation of Dipa Karmakar and Mantu Debnath was among the significant moments of the inaugural programme. Karmakar, whose achievements in international gymnastics have brought national recognition to Tripura, and Debnath, the State’s first Arjuna Award recipient, were honoured for their contributions to Indian sports. Their achievements, university officials said, would serve as an inspiration to the next generation of athletes.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Acting Registrar Professor Samir Kumar Sil, Finance Officer Debashis Pal, Professor Sudip Das, Professor Prashanta Kumar Das, Dr. Deepak C.S., Dr. Krishnendu Dhar and Pawan Kumar Singh, among others.
The tournament represents an important organisational milestone for Tripura University and offers an opportunity to showcase the State’s capacity to host national-level sporting events. However, its long-term significance will depend on whether the momentum generated by the championship translates into sustained investment in coaching, infrastructure and grassroots talent identification.
women athletes converging on its campus, Tripura University has placed the State in the national spotlight. The larger challenge now is to convert this visibility into lasting opportunities for women in sports and strengthen Tripura’s position in India's competitive sporting landscape.
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