Aug 03, (V7N) -Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has described the Prime Minister's Gold Cup Football Tournament as more than just a sporting event for entertainment, calling it a significant tool for passive education that can shape the character and mindset of young people.
"Sports must be established as an integral part of education. Although it has not yet been fully incorporated into the national curriculum, initiatives like this can help instill discipline, leadership, teamwork, and a healthy competitive spirit among young people," he said during a preparatory meeting of the tournament committee on Monday.
The tournament is being organized under the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Education Ministry.
Swapon suggested developing the Gold Cup into a major national festival, ensuring participation from all school and college students at the grassroots level, with competitions progressing through upazila and district stages before reaching the national finals. He proposed that media regularly highlight the process to generate nationwide interest and foster a positive attitude toward sports.
He stressed that the initiative's true success would come when sports become an essential part of school and college life, encouraging physical and mental development alongside academics. He also called on the Youth and Sports Ministry and other agencies to support implementation at the field level.
The minister emphasized the need for widespread media promotion so that the tournament evolves into an inspiring national initiative. Officials from relevant ministries and organizing committee members attended the meeting and discussed various aspects of successfully hosting the Prime Minister's Gold Cup Football Tournament 2026.
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