Khulna:State Minister for Sports Md. Aminul Haque emphasized the importance of sports in driving social change and protecting the youth from excessive screen time. He made these remarks during a visit to the Khulna District Stadium, where he inspected preparations for the second season of 'Notun Kuri Sports,' set to launch on November 5.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the state minister noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would participate in the inauguration ceremony live from the Khulna District Stadium at 300 pm on November 5. This event will mark the simultaneous launch of the program across 503 upazilas nationwide.
The initiative aims to discover young sporting talent across the country and foster their development. Promising athletes identified in the first season are receiving training at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), with the government's support to help them become professional athletes while ensuring their education. The sports festival also targets drug abuse prevention and reducing young people's addiction to digital devices.
This year's initiative has garnered significant interest, with approximately 16,23,000 young athletes registering online. Teams will be formed in 4,599 unions nationwide, involving nearly 14 lakh athletes. Participants will compete at various levels, culminating in a national-level final round scheduled for May or June next year.
Regarding local sports infrastructure, Aminul mentioned ongoing work to complete the unfinished gallery at the Khulna District Stadium and upgrade the local BKSP facility. From January next year, students at the local BKSP will benefit from enhanced educational and training facilities on-site.