Youth Urged to Join Athletics at Summer Games
President Warns Against Mobile Phone Addiction
- President highlights sports as key to curbing mobile addiction and depression
- 18th National Summer Athletics Competition 2026 officially inaugurated
- Directives issued to ensure at least one playground in every union
Emphasizing the vital role of sports in steering youth away from drugs, digital screen saturation, and mobile phone addiction, the President asserted that physical athletics remain indispensable for youth development. He underscored that encouraging physical activities is critical to protecting the younger generation from digital addiction and building a healthy, resilient nation.
On Friday evening, October 23, he officially declared open the 'Arafat Rahman Koko 18th National Summer Athletics Competition 2026' at the National Stadium by releasing balloons and festoons. He emphasized that excessive smartphone consumption among youth poses health challenges that necessitate active engagement in physical sports. Relevant authorities stated that modern sports technology and infrastructure are being integrated to nurture young athletic talent nationwide.
Addressing the gathering, the President noted that athletics is considered the mother of all sports, testing an athlete's raw speed, agility, and endurance. In an era dominated by digital distractions, sports foster national unity and pride on global stages. Highlighting governmental initiatives, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is playing a decisive role in reinvigorating grassroots sports through structured technological and financial support. The government is deploying data-driven talent identification systems alongside sports allowance programs and modern sports villages across districts.
The President reiterated directives to establish dedicated sports grounds across all union levels, requesting authorities to reclaim illegal occupations. He also advocated for equal opportunities for female athletes and urged private sector stakeholders to leverage corporate resources for long-term sports sponsorships. Presided over by Bangladesh Athletics Federation President Mohammad Abdullah Jaber, the ceremony featured addresses by State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haq and General Secretary Advocate Ali Imam Tapon. Following the torch-lighting and 100-meter sprint events, the President handed out medals to the winners.
//DBTech/BNR/MSI/MVNO//
