Dhaka: Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan emphasized that talent hunts are essential for discovering future athletes. “Talent hunt is the only way through which we’ll find our future athletes who will represent Bangladesh in the world and will bring honour for the country,” he stated at the U-16 talent hunt programme’s closing ceremony at the National Sports Council (NSC) auditorium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser highlighted ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Youth and Sports to expand such programmes and boost athlete participation. Discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president about nurturing talented cricket players identified through the talent hunt were also mentioned. Selected athletes from other disciplines will be coordinated with respective federations for training and development.
The sports adviser outlined plans for biannual evaluations of selected athletes. Scholarships will be offered through Krirashebi Kalyan Foundation to financially support promising athletes. He stressed the importance of creating an ecosystem for sports in Bangladesh, drawing lessons from successful countries like China.
Despite challenges faced as a developing nation, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan expressed commitment to establishing infrastructure and an ecosystem conducive to nurturing talent. He distributed crests and certificates to judo athletes during the event.
Youth and Sports Secretary Md Mahbub-ul-Alam expressed admiration for the enthusiasm of the young athletes and encouraged them to showcase their talent internationally. NSC Secretary Aminul Islam assured the continuation of the talent hunt programme and expressed gratitude for its success.
Basketball athlete Fatema Tuj Johora and chess trainer Abu Sufian Safi shared their positive experiences from the programme. The NSC organised the 10-day U-16 talent hunt across 10 disciplines at various venues, aiming to tap into grassroots potential.