DHAKA, Mar 30 (V7N) — Prime Minister Tariq Rahman has announced the launch of a major new sports talent hunt, "Notun Kuri Sports," set to begin in Sylhet on April 30 before expanding nationwide. Speaking at the inauguration of the historic sports allowance and sports card distribution program at his office in Tezgaon on Monday, the Prime Minister detailed a vision to transform athletics from a mere hobby into a prestigious and stable profession.

Addressing the youth, Prime Minister Rahman emphasized that in a modern global context, sports should be viewed with the same professional weight as accounting, engineering, or law. He asserted that Bangladesh cannot afford to lag behind international trends where athletes are treated as professionals rather than entertainers. The Prime Minister stated that the government’s new policy is designed to eliminate the economic uncertainty that has historically deterred talented individuals from pursuing sports as a full-time career.

The "Notun Kuri Sports" initiative will initially focus on seven specific sporting disciplines, aiming to identify raw talent from the grassroots level. "We will slowly bring out the talents who are good at these seven games right now," the Prime Minister noted, adding that those who excel will receive advanced training to prepare them for international competitions. He expressed confidence that these professional players would eventually "start hitting international events" and bring further honor to the nation.

This marks the first time since the country's independence that athletes have been brought under a formal, government-backed honorary salary structure. The Prime Minister reminded the audience that this program was a key election pledge, and its implementation today signifies a concrete step toward fulfilling that promise. He also highlighted that the government is promoting a wide range of sports beyond the traditional staples of cricket and football.

To sustain this professionalization, the Prime Minister called for a collaborative approach involving public, private, and government sponsorship. He urged private institutions to step forward and partner with the state to help project Bangladeshi athletes onto the global stage. By providing a structured and honorable framework, the government aims to ensure that any young person who enjoys and excels in their chosen sport can pursue it as a viable means of livelihood.

The Prime Minister concluded by reiterating his belief in the potential of the country’s youth, noting that they have already proven their ability to bring international accolades to Bangladesh. With the rollout of "Notun Kuri Sports" next month, the administration expects to build a pipeline of elite, professional athletes capable of competing at the highest levels for years to come.

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