Effat Sania Nancy, Khulna

State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque has reaffirmed the government's commitment to transforming Bangladesh into a sports-friendly nation by expanding support for athletes, improving sports infrastructure, and promoting sports as a viable profession.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the Begum Khaleda Zia Memorial Inter-Union Football Tournament at Palerhat Ground in Rupsha Upazila, Khulna, on Saturday, the minister said the government has already introduced professional recognition for athletes through sports allowances and sports cards.

He said about 300 athletes across the country have so far been brought under the programme, while another 200 national-level athletes will be included in phases, raising the total number of beneficiaries to 500.

The minister also announced plans to make the Khulna BKSP fully self-sufficient in the near future. In addition, he said sports grounds across Dhaka and other regions of the country would be preserved and renovated to provide better facilities for the younger generation.

Highlighting the government's long-term vision, Aminul Haque said there are plans to establish 10 Sports Villages across eight divisions and 10 regional zones, equipped with international-standard facilities. He noted that greater participation in sports would help build a healthy nation and contribute to creating a drug-free society.

Among those present as special guests were Khulna-4 MP S.K. Azizul Bari Helal, Khulna District BNP Convener Moniruzzaman Montu, Khulna Zila Parishad Administrator Monirul Islam Bappi, former Khulna District BNP Member Secretary Abu Hossain Babu, and former BCB Director Khan Zulfikar Ali Julu.

The tournament, chaired by Molla Khairul Islam, Convener of the Tournament Implementation Committee, features 15 teams representing 15 unions from Rupsha, Terokhada, and Dighalia upazilas of Khulna-4 constituency. The opening match was played between Srifaltala Union of Rupsha and Madhugram Union of Terokhada.