Tripura Set To Host Its First National Golf Tournament Puts Agartala On Sports Tourism Map

Published on December 8, 2025

A historical event took place in the northeastern Indian state of Tripura as it staged its first national golf tournament ever. The Tripura Open Golf Tournament at the Tusker BSF Golf Course inside the BSF campus at Salbagan, Agartala, has not only made Tripura known as a national golf destination but also has paved the way for areas such as sports tourism, engagement of the youth and overall tourism development.

For many in Tripura, this was more than a game, it was the realisation of a long-awaited dream. As the first shots were played, the state took a decisive step toward blending sport, ecology and tourism in a way few had imagined.

What happened: The tournament and its significance

• The tournament was organised under the auspices of Golf Federation of India (GFI) as part of the Bharat Golf Mahotsava GFI Tour 2025.
• The gathering saw dignitaries such as Manik Saha (Chief Minister of Tripura), Tinku Roy (Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs), IG of BSF Tripura Frontier, and officials from various security forces.
• According to the CM, this historic event, never before seen in Tripura and rare even in the Northeast, is a dream come true. He expressed hope that golf would soon become a part of Tripura’s sporting culture.
• The state government has committed to developing golf infrastructure, signalling that this tournament is just the beginning of a broader ambition to integrate golf into Tripura’s tourism and youth-sports vision.

Officials highlighted how the natural topography of Tripura, with its valleys, water bodies, mounds and greenery makes it ideally suited for golf. They also noted that golf courses can serve as ecological lungs and catalysts for tourism development.

Why this matters for Tourism

Boosting eco-tourism, hospitality and livelihoods

The introduction of golf in Tripura is being seen as a gateway to a new form of eco-tourism: one where sport meets nature, and where the accompanying hospitality, travel and allied services flourish. According to state leadership, developing golf courses will not only enhance recreation but also offer employment opportunities for youth, support local businesses and even stimulate real estate growth around such destinations.

As the officials noted, golf traditionally considered a luxury tourism activity could help uplift Tripura’s hospitality sector, improve transport connectivity, and support indigenous crafts and related economies.

Adding a new dimension to Tripura’s tourist appeal

Until now, Tripura’s tourism appeal has been anchored primarily on heritage, nature and culture. The state boasts sites such as the regal Neermahal, the water palace on Rudrasagar Lake; ancient rock-cut carvings at Unakoti, Debtamura and Pilak; temples, lush hills, serene lakes like Dumboor Lake, and diverse wildlife sanctuaries like Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary or Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary.

By adding golf and potentially adventure sports, water sports, paragliding and parasailing (as mentioned by BSF officials) Tripura is now poised to offer a multi-layered travel experience: not just heritage and nature, but also sport and recreation.

What’s on offer for visitors

For a tourist coming to Tripura this season, the golf + tourism synergy could look like this:

• Play or watch golf: With the new golf facility and potential future tournaments, golfers and enthusiasts can experience the game against lush green backdrops, valleys, water bodies and gentle mounds.
• Heritage and culture tours: Visit iconic sites such as Neermahal, Ujjayanta Palace, ancient rock-cut carvings at Unakoti / Debtamura / Pilak, and temples, all of which reflect Tripura’s rich history and cultural tapestry.
• Nature and eco-tourism: Lakes such as Dumboor and Rudrasagar offer boating and water-based activities; wildlife sanctuaries like Sepahijala and Trishna offer bird-watching, forest trails, and the chance to experience Tripura’s biodiversity.
• Adventure & recreation opportunities: As mentioned by BSF officials, apart from golf the state is exploring water sports, parasailing, paragliding and other exotic sports, indicating that Tripura might soon offer adventure-tourism packages.
• Warm hospitality and comfortable stay options: Through the official tourism portal of the state, visitors can book stays at guesthouses, lodges or resorts, making it easier to combine sport, culture and leisure in one trip.

What locals and officials expect: Beyond a single event

Officials, including the CM and IG BSF, have expressed that the inauguration of golf in Tripura marks not just an event but the beginning of a new era. They have emphasised plans to upgrade infrastructure, promote youth engagement in sports, and position Tripura as a destination where ecology, sport and tourism coalesce.

They believe this initiative can elevate Tripura’s standing nationally and globally making it a destination not just for heritage or nature lovers, but also for sports tourists, recreational travellers and adventure seekers.

For the state’s youth in particular, this presents a chance to embrace a new sport, explore professional and recreational opportunities, and discover a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Final thoughts: A hopeful beginning

For a traveller arriving in Agartala today, the sound of golf clubs, the lush green expanses, the promise of heritage tours, serene lakes and possible adventure sports, all layered together offers something refreshing. The first national golf tournament in Tripura may well be remembered not just as a sporting milestone, but as a turning point in the state’s tourism story.

Tripura, already famous for its regal castles, peaceful lakes, timeless sculptures, and thick woods might now along with these more of less at the same time become known for its golf courses, animal viewing and adventure trips. For those tourists who want to experience a little bit of everything, calm history, active sports and untouched nature, this might be the right time to visit Tripura.