Dhaka, May 1  (V7N) — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has hailed the newly launched Notun Kuri Sports programme as a timely and transformative initiative to identify and nurture promising young athletes from across Bangladesh. In a message issued on the eve of the programme, he expressed satisfaction with the Ministry of Youth and Sports for arranging the event, which aims to provide structured opportunities for children and youth nationwide.

The Prime Minister noted that the initiative draws inspiration from the traditional Notun Kuri programme, which for decades has played a vital role in developing children’s talents in arts, culture, and education. By extending this legacy into sports, the government hopes to create a new generation of athletes who can excel both nationally and internationally.

“Sports is no longer merely a form of recreation; it is now globally recognised as a respectable and lucrative profession,” Rahman said, reiterating his government’s commitment to establishing sports as a dignified career path and ensuring financial security for athletes.

Under the Notun Kuri Sports programme, talented boys and girls aged between 12 and 14 will be identified from across the country. These young athletes will be given a structured and professional platform to develop their potential. The initiative is designed to ensure that sporting talent is not confined to urban centers but reaches villages and rural communities, where many gifted children often lack opportunities.

The Prime Minister emphasized that sports play a crucial role in nation-building, fostering a healthy, disciplined, and skilled generation. He highlighted its importance in protecting youth from drug abuse, social degradation, and excessive dependence on digital devices.

Rahman expressed optimism that the programme would instill discipline, leadership, fraternity, and team spirit in participants. These qualities, he said, are essential for building a strong and progressive nation. By nurturing young athletes, the government hopes to create role models who inspire others and contribute to social cohesion.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the government has already taken steps to support emerging talents. State-sponsored sports scholarships and world-class training facilities at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan (BKSP) are part of this broader effort. BKSP, the country’s premier sports institute, has produced many of Bangladesh’s top athletes, and the new programme will complement its work by feeding in talent from the grassroots.

Rahman expressed confidence that with proper training and nurturing, young athletes would soon emerge as national stars and represent Bangladesh with distinction in the international arena.

The Prime Minister said the Notun Kuri Sports initiative would bring about sustainable and transformative change in the country’s sports sector through coordinated efforts of all stakeholders. He stressed that the programme is not just about producing athletes but about creating a culture of sports that permeates society.

By investing in youth sports, the government aims to strengthen the foundation of Bangladesh’s sporting future, ensuring that talent is systematically identified, nurtured, and given the resources to succeed.

Rahman’s remarks reflect a broader vision for sports in Bangladesh. He sees it as a tool for social development, national pride, and international recognition. By professionalizing sports and providing financial security for athletes, the government hopes to encourage more young people to pursue it seriously.

The Prime Minister’s message also underscores the role of sports in addressing social challenges. By engaging youth in structured activities, the programme aims to reduce vulnerabilities to drugs, crime, and unhealthy lifestyles. In this sense, Notun Kuri Sports is as much a social initiative as it is a sporting one.

Bangladesh has made strides in cricket and football, but the government wants to broaden its sporting achievements. By nurturing talent from a young age, the country hopes to compete more effectively in athletics, swimming, and other disciplines at regional and global levels. Rahman’s confidence that young athletes will soon represent Bangladesh internationally reflects this ambition.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s endorsement of the Notun Kuri Sports programme highlights the government’s commitment to grassroots talent development and the professionalization of sports in Bangladesh. Inspired by the legacy of the original Notun Kuri cultural programme, the new initiative seeks to identify young athletes aged 12–14 and provide them with structured opportunities to grow.

By combining scholarships, training facilities, and institutional support, the government aims to create a sustainable pipeline of talent. The Prime Minister’s message emphasizes discipline, leadership, and team spirit as essential values, while also linking sports to broader social goals such as preventing drug abuse and fostering national unity.

With coordinated efforts and proper nurturing, Notun Kuri Sports has the potential to transform Bangladesh’s sporting landscape, producing athletes who can shine on the global stage and contribute to building a strong, progressive nation.

END/AJ/RH