Dhaka:The Bangladesh Athletics Federation (BAF) has announced that its 18th National Summer Athletics Competition will be named after Arafat Rahman Koko. This initiative aims to honor Koko's contributions as a sports organizer and inspire the younger generation to continue his legacy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event, titled Koko 18th National Summer Athletics Competition 2026, will commence on October 23 at the National Stadium in the capital. President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is expected to attend the opening ceremony as the chief guest. The BAF joint secretary, Monzur Morshed, emphasized the importance of recognizing Koko's role in sports administration, particularly his contributions to cricket development in Bangladesh, to ensure the younger generation is aware of his work.
The three-day competition will feature 40 events, with 22 for men and 18 for women, and will see participation from approximately 800 athletes representing all 64 districts, various divisions, and services teams, including the Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force, Ansar, Border Guard, and Police. Athletes from private universities and physical education colleges are also expected to compete.
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 be the chief guest on October 24. The federation is also seeking the consent of State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir to attend the closing ceremony on October 25.
The competition includes a wide range of events such as sprints, hurdles, jumps, throws, and relays for both men and women. The BAF hopes the competition will generate greater public interest in athletics, a sport considered fundamental to international multi-sport events but underrepresented in Bangladesh.
Monzur Morshed, the BAF joint secretary, expressed optimism about the future of athletics in Bangladesh, citing the commitment of federation officials and sponsors to its development. The prize money for the top three finishers will be Taka 6,000 for gold, Taka 4,000 for silver, and Taka 3,000 for bronze. Additionally, an e-bike motorcycle will be awarded to the competition's best athlete, and an additional reward of Taka 20,000 will be given to any athlete who sets a new national record.
The BAF hopes that sustained sponsorship and increased public participation will strengthen athletics in Bangladesh and improve its performance on the international stage.