Dhaka:Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has emphasized that sports have transcended their traditional roles of entertainment and physical fitness to gain recognition as a legitimate profession. He highlighted the importance of developing talented athletes through modern training, proper facilities, and sustained support.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Prime Minister made these remarks in a message marking the occasion of the "Koko 18th National Summer Athletics Competition-2026." He noted that the government has incorporated sports education into the school curriculum to establish it as a profession.
The Prime Minister elaborated on the multifaceted benefits of sports, such as enhancing physical fitness, mental strength, discipline, self-confidence, and leadership, while also fostering harmony, mutual respect, and patriotism. He paid tribute to the late sports organizer Arafat Rahman Koko, in whose memory the Bangladesh Athletics Federation is organizing the competition.
Highlighting the significance of athletics, Rahman called for planned initiatives to identify talent at the grassroots level and prepare athletes for international competitions. He emphasized the necessity for modern training facilities, skilled coaches, scientific training methods, nutrition, medical services, and regular competitions to nurture promising athletes from both urban and remote areas.
He further called for stronger coordination among educational institutions, sports organizations, and national federations, stressing the importance of protecting athletes' education, health, safety, and future livelihoods. The Prime Minister urged participants to uphold discipline, fairness, and sportsmanship while calling on organizers to ensure transparency and professionalism.
Rahman also stressed the expansion of opportunities for female athletes and the removal of financial and geographical barriers that might hinder talented youth from pursuing sports. He stated that cooperation among the government, sports federations, clubs, sponsors, media, educational institutions, and parents is essential for improving sports infrastructure, preserving playing fields, and recognizing athletes' achievements.
Concluding his message, the Prime Minister expressed hope that the competition would discover new talent and strengthen athletics across the nation, wishing success to both the organizers and participants.