Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu, inaugurated the AIU East Zone Inter-University Basketball Tournament for Women, 2026, at the Basketball Court of Tripura Central University, at Suryamaninagar in the evening today. The prestigious sporting event is being organized under the aegis of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), with Tripura University hosting the tournament from November 11 to 15, 2026.

  

Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that although Tripura is a small state, it possesses an indomitable sporting spirit and has produced several talented athletes who have brought recognition and glory to the state as well as the nation. He congratulated the Association of Indian Universities for entrusting Tripura University with the responsibility of hosting this prestigious event and appreciated the Vice-Chancellor and the organizing committee for their efforts in making the tournament possible.
Highlighting the initiatives undertaken by the Government of Tripura to promote sports, the Governor emphasised the importance of strengthening sports infrastructure, encouraging grassroots-level participation and providing better training facilities to emerging athletes. Referring to the Khelo India initiative and the role of the Tripura Sports Council, he stressed the need for identifying young sporting talent, organising competitions at different levels and ensuring that financial constraints do not become an obstacle for promising athletes in pursuing their dreams.

  

He further underscored the importance of quality coaching, financial assistance, sports medicine, physiotherapy and proper nutritional support for the overall development and performance of athletes. He observed that talent identification should begin at an early age through school-level competitions and physical education programmes, as the foundation for future sporting champions must be laid during childhood.
Giving special emphasis to women's participation in sports, the Governor said that women athletes are breaking stereotypes, overcoming traditional barriers and inspiring a new generation of girls to pursue their sporting aspirations. He described the participation of women basketball players from approximately 14 states as a significant celebration of women's empowerment, national integration and sporting excellence.
Encouraging the participating players, he called upon them to demonstrate discipline, determination, teamwork and true sportsmanship throughout the tournament. He observed that basketball is not merely a game of physical strength and scoring points, but also teaches important values such as strategy, coordination, discipline, mutual trust and collective effort.
The Governor expressed confidence that the tournament would provide an excellent platform for young women athletes to showcase their abilities, enhance their competitive spirit and establish friendships beyond geographical boundaries. He also said that such inter-university sporting events play an important role in promoting unity, mutual understanding and a spirit of healthy competition among young people from different parts of the country. 
The inaugural ceremony was attended by several distinguished personalities, including Vice-Chancellor of Tripura University Professor Debabrata Das, Padma Shri awardee and renowned gymnast Smt. Dipa Karmakar, Arjuna Awardee Mantu Debnath, Registrar-in-Charge Professor Samir Kumar Sil and Organising Secretary Professor Prasanta Kumar Das. University officials, faculty members and participating athletes were also present on the occasion.
The five-day event is expected to provide an important platform for emerging women basketball players to demonstrate their talent and gain valuable competitive experience, while further strengthening the sporting culture in Tripura.

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PS/KMD

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