News Flash
DHAKA, July 19, 2026 (BSS) - Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain today said the government aims to engage young people in sports for character building.
"To promote character building and physical development, the government is aiming to engage the young generation in sports alongside education," he said.
He made this remark while speaking as the chief guest at the closing and prize-giving ceremony of the 10th Cadet, Junior, Under-21 and Senior South Asian Karate Championship-2026 and the 2nd Under-14 Karate Cup at Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium in Mirpur.
He said karate is not only a sport but also a means of strengthening friendship among nations, expressing hope that such ties would transcend geographical boundaries.
He later distributed trophies, medals and prizes among the winners.
The three-day international competition, held from July 17 to 19, featured participants from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.
Around 900 emerging athletes from across South Asia competed in various events.
Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Amena Begum, South Asian Karate Federation President Bharat Sharma, Bangladesh Karate Federation President Shahzada Alam, foreign delegations and sports enthusiasts were present at the event, among others.
