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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday attended the closing ceremony of Notun Kuri Sports 2025–26, underscoring the government’s commitment to nurturing young talent and encouraging children to stay active through sports.
He arrived at the Bangladesh Army Stadium around 4:00pm to a warm welcome from thousands of children and sports enthusiasts who filled the galleries.
The prime minister greeted the young athletes, walked around the field, and waved to cheering spectators. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque accompanied him.
Launched on May 2 in Sylhet, Notun Kuri Sports is a nationwide grassroots initiative by the Ministry of Youth and Sports aimed at identifying talent among boys and girls aged 12 to 14.
Organisers said about 170,000 young athletes from across the country took part in regional competitions in eight disciplines—football, cricket, kabaddi, athletics, badminton, chess, swimming and martial arts—before advancing to the national phase in Dhaka.
At the final event, the prime minister watched the girls’ football final between Rajshahi and Rangpur regions. He also attended a documentary screening and a cultural performance featuring the event’s theme song.
Tarique Rahman later distributed trophies and prizes among the winners and joined them for a photo session.
Officials said selected talented athletes will be placed in a training pool and may receive advanced coaching at Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP) to help them develop into international-standard performers.
They added that one of the initiative’s main goals is to steer children away from excessive screen use and promote regular participation in outdoor sports.
Organisers described the inaugural event as a milestone in Bangladesh’s sporting landscape, bringing together a large number of young participants nationwide and successfully concluding with the national finals in Dhaka.