A Correspondent:
Lalmonirhat: Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu yesterday said the govern-ment is working to develop athletes capable of competing at the national level and bringing glory to the country in the international arena.
“The District Administrator Kishore Football Tournament will be inaugurated on October 10, with State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque attending the event,” he said.
The minister made the remarks during his visit to Lalmonirhat District Stadium yesterday afternoon.
Dulu said more opportunities should be created for young people to take sports as a profession, noting that Lalmonirhat, despite being a small district town has a rich sporting tradition and adequate grounds for sports.
Noting that many talented athletes cannot pursue sports as a profession due to financial constraints, he said the government wants to create an environment where athletes can excel at both national and inter-national levels.
The minister said a section of the young generation has turned to drugs instead of sports for various rea-sons over the years.
“Various initiatives are being taken to bring young people back to sports grounds,” he added.
Dulu said sports grounds across the country have regained their vibrancy through various initiatives, in-cluding the ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ and ‘Prime Minister’s Gold Cup’.
Referring to young people’s growing interest in sports, he said, “Young people’s eagerness for sports has increased in recent times. Popular sports, including football, kabaddi and cricket will be further promot-ed at different levels.”
The government is also providing support and encouragement to athletes and sports clubs so that the clubs can help young people stay away from drugs and return to sports, the minister said.
Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner M Rashedul Haque Pradhan, Zila Parishad Administrator AKM Mo-minul Haque, district unit Mohila Dal General Secretary Anjuman Ara Shapla, Lalmonirhat municipality BNP General Secretary Abdus Salam and other district BNP leaders accompanied the minister during the visit.
