Dhaka: The National Steering Committee meeting for the Prime Minister's Gold Cup National Football Tournament was held today, chaired by Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Molin, marking a significant step towards the nationwide football event's launch by September 10. This tournament aims to engage students from grades six to twelve across approximately 50,000 educational institutions, including schools, colleges, madrasas, technical and vocational institutes throughout the nation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting, hosted at the education ministry, saw participation from key government figures, including Information Minister Zahir Uddin SwapOn, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, and several state ministers. The event will be organized in phases, starting at the upazila level and culminating at the national level, to scout talented football players from grassroots levels. Each institution is encouraged to field both boys' and girls' teams, promoting inclusivity.
Dr. Ehsanul Haque Molin emphasized that the tournament is a platform for nurturing intellect, leadership, and creativity among students, offering equal opportunities to those from remote areas. The initiative is part of the government's broader strategy to integrate sports with education, fostering physical and mental development, and bridging opportunity gaps between urban and rural students.
Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon underscored the importance of media in promoting the tournament, highlighting the event's role in fostering national unity and showcasing student achievements. Prime Minister's Adviser Mahdi Amin detailed ongoing efforts to elevate the Gold Cup's prestige, drawing on past successes of similar events to enhance management and coordination among ministries.
The committee discussed plans for a grand opening ceremony, akin to the FIFA World Cup, featuring student performances and cultural programs. There is anticipation of the Prime Minister attending both the opening and final matches, underscoring the event's national significance. Ministries were tasked with ensuring robust preparation, security, publicity, and administrative coordination, with education board chairmen set to engage with local authorities and institutions in preparation for the tournament.