No dearth of talent in northeast India: Tripura governor

AGARTALA/AIZAWL - The success of tennis player Somdev Devvarman, who won a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games, shows that “there is no dearth of talent in northeast India”, said Tripura Governor D.Y. Patil Wednesday.

“Somdev has become an immense source of motivation for all the sportspersons in India as well as Tripura. The people of Tripura along with the rest of the country are extremely happy following his success and feat in the international sports arena,” Patil said after unfurling the national flag at the Assam Rifles ground here on the occasion of Republic Day.

“Somdev’s success proves… that there is no dearth of talent in northeast India and that all these bright youngsters need a platform or an opening to prove their capability,” the governor said.

The tennis sensation, who belongs to Tripura’s erstwhile royal family, won two gold medals at the Guangzhou Asian Games in China and a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi last year.

“Terrorism seems to be in its last throes in Tripura which bodes well for faster development of this land-locked bordering state.

“We all must reiterate our resolve today to banish militancy with courage, vigour and determination and share the commitment of our government to bring the fruits of development to every home of the state,” Patil said.

People came out in large numbers across the state to participate in the 62nd Republic Day celebrations, defying the boycott call by militant group, the Tripura People’s Democratic Front.

In Mizoram, Governor M.M. Lakhera unfurled the tricolour at the Assam Rifles ground at Aizawl.

Lakhera said: “As many as seven sports persons from Mizoram took part in the recently concluded 16th Asian Games at Guangzhou.”