Photo: Ministry

DHAKA, June 5, 2026 (BSS) - The final phase of the Primary School Gold Cup 
Football Tournament (Boys and Girls) 2026, organized to make primary-level 
education in the country more vibrant and enjoyable, has begun.

A total of 16 teams, including eight boys' and eight girls' teams that 
emerged as divisional champions from the country's eight divisions, are 
participating in the final round after progressing through union, 
municipality, upazila, district and divisional stages.

Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque 
Milon inaugurated the national-level sports competition yesterday as the 
chief guest at National Bangla High School in Mirpur in the capital.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj and the Prime 
Minister's Adviser on Education Dr. Mahdi Amin attended the inaugural 
ceremony as special guests.

The tournament began on April 6 with competitions at the union and 
municipality levels and subsequently advanced through upazila, district and 
divisional stages before reaching the national level. 
During its nearly two-month competitive journey, the event created a festive 
atmosphere across the country, from remote villages to urban areas.

The tournament has been organized under the supervision of the Ministry of 
Primary and Mass Education and the management of the Directorate of Primary 
Education for developing students' physical fitness, mental growth, 
leadership qualities, teamwork and self-confidence, while encouraging school 
attendance through sports.

The final match and closing ceremony of the national-level competition will 
be held on June 20 at the Army Stadium in the capital. 

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to distribute prizes among the 
participants on that day. 

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the education minister said children 
represent the future of the nation and that the tournament would play a 
significant role in helping them develop sporting excellence. 

"Sports are being incorporated into the curriculum to encourage children to 
become more sports-oriented," he said.

Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education Md. Sakhawat Hossain 
told BSS that the Primary School Gold Cup is not merely a football 
tournament, it is a unique platform for developing children's intellect, 
discipline and human values. 

Director General (DG) of the Directorate of Primary Education Shahina 
Ferdousi told BSS that physically and mentally healthy, skilled and confident 
citizens are essential for building a progressive nation.