Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said Bangladesh has made remarkable progresses in every field of sports in the last 14 years under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
"Everyone must be active to sustain the progress," he said, while inaugurating the Bangabandhu Cup 2023 International Kabaddi Tournament at Kabaddi Stadium in the capital.
Hasan, also Awami League Joint General Secretary, said Bangladesh has achieved successes in every field of sports including football, cricket, kabaddi and others and the country became champion in last year Kabaddi tournament. "For this, I would like to extend my gratitude and thanks to the premier," he added.
He said, no one, before 10 to 15 years ago, thought that the Kabaddi would be included in Asia Cup. The government has emphasized on sports, he added.
He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina loves sports and she herself enjoys games like an enthusiastic spectator. Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina becomes happier and more excited when the athletes show any success, he added.
He said, "Kabaddi is our national sport and the game has been internationalized. I, as a citizen of the country and a Cabinet member, would like to extend my thanks to those persons who were involved with the game for a long time and the Kabaddi Federation to internationalize the game which is our rural game."
After inaugurating the tournament, the minister exchanged views with players.
President of Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF) and Inspector General of Police Chowdhuiry Abdullah Al-Mamun presided over the inaugural function while BKF general secretary and additional inspector general of police Habibur Rahman gave welcome address.
Additional Secretary of the Youth and Sports Ministry Golam Mostafa Kamal and other distinguished sportsmen were present in the function.
A total of 12 teams from twelve countries are participating the tournament.
The teams are Bangladesh, Argentina, Iraq, Nepal, England, Poland, Kenya, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei and Thailand.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)