Govt working to create new sports movement from grassroots: State minister

The government is working to create a new sports movement in Bangladesh by developing sports at the grassroots level, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque said today (13 September).

The government plans to build a football or sports field in each of the country's 4,599 unions and a mini stadium in every upazila, he said at the final of the District Commissioner Gold Cup Football Tournament at Jamalpur District Stadium.

"A project to build a mini stadium in every upazila is already underway. The government also plans to establish a sports village in every district in phases," he added.

Emphasising the need to develop Jamalpur as a sports-friendly district, the state minister said steps would be taken to complete the unfinished gallery at the district stadium and turn it into a full-fledged facility.

"We want to take advantage of the renewed interest in sports in the country and further develop Bangladesh's sports sector. Our goal is to strengthen sports by producing players from the grassroots level," Aminul added.

He further said the government would develop the necessary infrastructure at district, upazila and union levels for the development of football, cricket and other sports. "Such infrastructure will encourage children, teenagers and young people to take part in outdoor sports while helping identify new talent for the country's sports sector."