Agartala:
The sporting year 2025–26 will be remembered as a defining chapter in India’s athletic journey, marked by historic international breakthroughs and Tripura’s inspiring rise on the national stage, said Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Tinku Roy. He noted that these achievements have strengthened confidence and opened new horizons for the future of Indian sports.
At the global level, Indian athletes delivered several firsts. Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra crossed the elusive 90-metre mark in javelin with a record throw of 90.23 metres. Para archer Sheetal Devi won gold at the World Championships, while badminton player Devika Sihag lifted the Thailand Masters title. Chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup. In boxing, Jaismine Lamboria (57 kg) and Minakshi Hooda (48 kg) clinched gold at the Liverpool World Championships.
India’s collective strength was equally evident in multi-discipline events. The country finished second at the Asian Athletics Championships with eight gold medals, while the World Para Athletics Championships in Delhi witnessed India’s best-ever haul of 22 medals. Team sports also saw historic triumphs, with the Indian women’s cricket team winning its maiden World Cup, the men’s team securing the Champions Trophy, and the women’s blind cricket team lifting the World Cup title. India also tasted success in hockey and football at continental and youth levels.
Parallel to these achievements, Tripura recorded one of its finest performances at the 69th National School Games, winning 20 medals, including six gold. Calling it a moment of immense pride, Sports Minister Tinku Roy said the results reflected the discipline, determination, and growing strength of the state’s sporting ecosystem.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nurturing grassroots talent, stating that Tripura is steadily positioning itself as a strong contributor to India’s rising global sporting stature.
