No Alternative to Sports for Keeping Youth Away from Drugs, President Says at National Athletics Opening

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said there is no alternative to sports for keeping the young generation away from drugs, mobile phone addiction and frustration. Sports teach young people discipline, perseverance and self-confidence, he said, adding that expanding sports is essential to protecting the youth from ruin and building a healthy nation.

The President made the remarks after inaugurating the Arafat Rahman Koko 18th National Summer Athletics Competition 2026. On Friday evening at the National Stadium, he declared the competition open by releasing balloons and festoons, as a festive mood spread across the stadium on the opening night of the country's biggest athletics meet.

The President said athletics is called the mother of sports. It is here that an athlete's speed, strength, agility, discipline and endurance are truly tested, and if this foundation is strong, the country's capability in other sports will also grow, he said.

Sports are a symbol of national glory and unity, he said. Raising Bangladesh's flag in international arenas and hearing the national anthem on the victory podium are matters of pride for the whole nation — at that moment there is only one identity: Bangladeshi. He added that the country must develop its own players and bring success for its teams internationally.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said a new enthusiasm has been created in the country's sporting arena. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is playing an important role in advancing all kinds of sports from the grassroots level, he said, expressing sincere thanks and gratitude to the Prime Minister.

The President said the government has taken various initiatives to expand sports, build a healthy nation and create employment. As part of this, a sports card, a sports allowance, grassroots talent-hunt programmes and plans for modern sports villages at district level are being implemented.

He said the Prime Minister has directed that every union should have a playground, and work has already begun. At the same time, he called on the authorities concerned to free grounds from occupation, preserve them and identify new locations for playing fields.

The President also called for equal opportunities for women athletes. So that no talent is lost for financial reasons, he urged regular competitions at school, college and district-upazila levels, and called for initiatives to launch inter-school sports competitions.

He urged industrial firms, banks, insurers and businesses to come forward as long-term sponsors alongside the government in producing world-class players. He expressed hope that this competition will produce many talented athletes who will bring further glory to Bangladesh internationally.

Noting that the competition is dedicated to the memory of the distinguished sports organiser Arafat Rahman Koko, the President prayed for the salvation of his soul. The ceremony, chaired by Bangladesh Athletics Federation president Mohammad Abdullah Jaber, was addressed as special guest by Youth and Sports State Minister Md Aminul Haque, while federation general secretary Advocate Ali Imam Tapan delivered the welcome speech.

Earlier, the 57 participating teams took part in a march-past and the competition's theme song was performed. Former athletes Mohiuddin Ahmed and Sumita Rani Das lit the games torch. After the opening, the President watched the men's and women's 100-metre sprints and presented medals to the winners.

The President arrived at the National Stadium around 4pm and was welcomed by State Minister Md Aminul Haque, Dhaka South City Corporation administrator valiant freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam, federation president Mohammad Abdullah Jaber and general secretary Advocate Ali Imam Tapan. Those involved hope this National Summer Athletics meet will give the country's athletics fresh momentum.