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DHAKA, Nov 28, 2025 (BSS) – Former surfer and team leader of the Bangladesh Surfing Association Md Saifullah Sifat said that the young generation, who are increasingly addicted to mobile phones and computers, has begun to return to the playing field through the Festival of Youth.

According to him, the country's young generation has become heavily dependent on digital devices. In this context, the Festival of Youth has played a significant role in bringing them back to sports.

In the era of information technology, young people have become more dependent on smartphones, computers, and laptops. They can hardly imagine a normal life without digital devices, which has a negative impact on both their social and mental development.

Due to this digital addiction, the younger generation has lost interest in sports. To encourage them to return to physical activity, the Ministry of Youth and Sports organized the Festival of Youth 2025 across the country on December 30 last year, under the slogan “Let’s Change the Country, Change the World.”

Sifat, the first coach and judge in Bangladesh recognized by the International Surfing Association, expressed his excitement about the government’s noble initiative.

In an interview with BSS, he said, “The Festival of Youth is a very good initiative. The current young generation has lost interest in sports as they have become device-oriented. The Festival of Youth is playing an effective role in bringing them back to the field of play.”

Internationally trained lifeguard master trainer Sifat believes that the Festival of Youth should be organized on a regular basis.

He said sports keep people physically and mentally fit. If the young generation stays away from sports, they will become unfit. Overall, the Festival of Youth is a very positive sign for the youth, and it should continue for the betterment of the next generation.

He also emphasized the need for government support to make surfing more popular in the country.

Sifat, the first Bangladeshi to serve as a technical official (referee) at the Life Saving World Championships held in Italy in 2022 and in Australia in 2024, said: “Our events are not indoor-based, so players need food, transportation facilities and financial support. We don't even have adequate equipment and are using our personal gear for surfing. If we have more equipment, the number of athletes will increase and interest in surfing will grow as well. Financial support is also needed to hold training camps regularly.”

He further said that it is not possible to develop athletes without financial support. “Even if we continue practicing our whole lives inside the country, it will not bring much benefit. Our athletes need to compete internationally to prepare themselves for the global stage.”

It may be mentioned that Bangladeshi surfers are set to participate in two major events – the 20th Asian Games to be held in Nagoya, Japan, in 2026, and the World Championship Life Saving in Morocco next year.