Registration for ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ season 2 begins 1 July

In a bid to revive grassroots sports across the country, registration for the second season of the 'Notun Kuri Sports' programme will begin on 1 July, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque announced on Friday.

Speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the Inter-University Swimming and Water Polo Tournament at the Dhaka University Swimming Pool, he said the main phase of the competition would begin at the union level in September.

"The national phase of the inaugural edition of Notun Kuri Sports will conclude by mid-July. The second season will see competitions held across more than 4,500 unions nationwide," he said.

The state minister also said the government plans to make sports a compulsory component of the national curriculum to encourage children away from excessive screen time and towards healthier lifestyles.

"From now on, every student from Class IV onwards will be required to take part in sports training under designated instructors as a prerequisite for passing their examinations," he said.

He noted that the widespread use of digital devices had confined many children indoors, adding that the government viewed mandatory participation in sports as a positive step towards building a healthier generation.

The initiative will target boys and girls aged between 12 and 14, with thousands of teams to be formed at the union level to compete in football, cricket, swimming, badminton, chess and martial arts.

"This programme will bring about a fundamental transformation in the country's family and social fabric," he said.

Highlighting measures to strengthen professionalism in sport and improve athletes' future prospects, Aminul said another 200 athletes would be brought under the government's professional support scheme after July.

The move will increase the total number of athletes receiving regular sports allowances and sports cards to around 500, enabling young people to pursue sport as a long-term profession alongside their education, he said.

He also stressed the need for closer collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and higher education institutions. 

He added that the ministry would establish stronger ties with Dhaka University and other universities across the country, and would soon send formal proposals to jointly organise regular sporting events on campuses.