Dhaka:The Bangladesh Athletics Federation (BAF) has named its 18th National Summer Athletics Competition after Arafat Rahman Koko, aiming to highlight his contribution as a sports organizer and inspire the younger generation to follow his legacy. The three-day Koko 18th National Summer Athletics Competition 2026 will begin on October 23 at the National Stadium in the capital, with President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expected to grace the opening ceremony as the chief guest.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the BAF joint secretary Monzur Morshed stated that the initiative has been taken to recognize Koko's role in sports administration, particularly his contributions to the development of cricket in Bangladesh, and to ensure that the younger generation remains aware of his work. State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque will attend the inaugural ceremony as a special guest, while Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee is expected to attend as the chief guest on October 24.
The competition will feature 40 events—22 for men and 18 for women—with around 800 athletes expected to participate from all 64 districts, different divisions, and various services teams, including the Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Air Force, Bangladesh Ansar, Border Guard Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Police. Athletes from private universities and physical education colleges are also expected to compete in the mega tournament.
Monzur Morshed emphasized that athletics is fundamental to international multi-sport events but remains underrepresented in Bangladesh. He expressed hope that the competition would help generate greater public interest in athletics, with the aim of building a stronger athletics contingent for the Olympics, Asian Games, and other international events.
The prize money for the top three finishers includes Taka 6,000 for gold, Taka 4,000 for silver, and Taka 3,000 for bronze winners. Additionally, the competition sponsor has announced an e-bike motorcycle for the competition's best athlete, while the federation decided to give additional rewards of Taka 20,000 for athletes who set new national records. The BAF hopes sustained sponsorship and wider public participation will help strengthen athletics and improve Bangladesh's performance on the international stage.