Sreemangal:District stadiums across the nation are set to undergo modernization and renovation to become full-fledged sports facilities, as announced by State Minister for Youth and Sports, Md Aminul Haque.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized the government's priority on upgrading existing fields and stadiums to ensure they are functional before embarking on new constructions. This announcement was made during a press briefing following the inauguration of a cricket academy in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar.
As part of the government's initiative, integrated sports structures will be developed from the grassroots to the national level. The Sreemangal Cricket Academy will see the development of necessary facilities, including playing fields and dressing rooms. The district stadiums will be equipped to host regular competitions in sports such as football, cricket, swimming, volleyball, table tennis, chess, archery, shooting, and hockey.
Aminul Haque mentioned that a project is underway to modernise district stadiums, with the preparation of the Development Project Proposal (DPP) already in process. The upgraded stadiums will feature galleries, dressing rooms, and press boxes, becoming self-contained sports venues.
The state minister also shared plans to establish playing fields up to the union level and to build Futsal facilities or small fields at the city ward level. These initiatives aim to engage young people in sports, steering them away from drugs and other harmful activities, promoting healthier lifestyles.
Furthermore, there is an initiative to introduce sports-related textbooks from Class Four in the upcoming curriculum. The government aspires for Bangladeshi athletes to compete for medals on the international stage, with year-round training and talent development programs in place. Long-term preparations are underway to secure a competitive stance in the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games over the next five years.
The event saw attendance from various officials, including Additional District Magistrate Md Mamunur Rashid, Sreemangal Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Ziaur Rahman, Assistant Superintendent of Police Md Wahiduzzaman Raju, BCB director Sarfaraz Ahmed Sarfu, along with sports organizers, political leaders, and journalists. The state minister also visited the proposed site for a mini stadium in Sreemangal upazila.