Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) with an aim to create national athletes for different disciplines has decided to stage the first ever Bangladesh Youth Games in three phases. The BOA has included 21 disciplines for the Youth Games for Under-17 athletes. The first phase will be held from December 18 to 24 with the competitors from upazilas will compete in the district level. Then the successful athletes will earn the right to participate in the divisional level competition from January 6 to 15. Then the final round will take place in Dhaka from March 9 to 18. No corporation or services teams will be allowed to take part in the Games.
BOA secretary general Syed Shahed Reza stated this at a press conference at Dhaka Club’s Padma lounge in the capital yesterday. BOA vice-president Sheikh Bashir Ahmed and treasurer Kazi Rajibuddin Ahmed Chapal were also present. He said that this is the right age to groom up an athlete to represent the country in international meet. “We want to see more success in the regional games (SA Games), Asian Games and Olympics. We will pick up athletes from different disciplines in which Bangladesh has the prospect of winning medals,” said BOA secretary general.
“We will arrange long term training camp for those athletes under foreign coaches. And if needed a selective group will be send abroad for training to hone their skills in their respective disciplines.”
The BOA in principle has decided to stage the Bangladesh Youth Games in every four years. But as a section of media requested him to organise it in every two years which will enable the athletes to take part in the tournament like World Cup U-19 Cricket or World Cup Under-19 football.
Sheikh Bashir Ahmed said that the BOA has decided to organise Youth Games rally at all district headquarters to create hype as well as to inspire the people to come back to sports field leaving drug- addiction and anti-social activities, He further informed that the Games torch will be alighted on March 18 through a ceremonial function. “In fact we want the youth society to involve in sports and games for creating better and quality players for the participation in the SA Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympics.” He said the BOA has prepared a budget over Tk 15 crore to hold the three phase games. The BOA has formed a powerful organizing committee with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as chief patron and Finance Minister AMA Muhith as patron.
“We are expecting to get a good grant from the government and we have already confirmed an amount of Tk three crore from different sponsors out of which 80 per cent have come to our hands.” He further added that the BOA has nominated 20 famed athletes of the country as goodwill ambassadors to encourage the youth athletes to follow their footsteps.