Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Aug 6, 2026 (BSS)-State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque today (Thursday) said the government would soon take the initiative to organise a national para sports competition of international standard to prepare talented athletes with disabilities for the global stage.

Addressing at the inauguration of the Asian Para Games training Camp at the National Stadium in the capital, the State Minister said the government had adopted a long-term plan to empower persons with disabilities and transform them into valuable national assets.

He said a policy decision had already been taken to hold the competition and expressed hope that the Prime Minister would inaugurate the event if the opportunity arose.

“Many families still hide their children with disabilities out of embarrassment. But those same children can one day win medals for Bangladesh at the Olympic Games, Asian Games or Para Games. It is time to take pride in them, not hide them,” he said.

Aminul said the government is expanding financial support for athletes, noting that 300 sportspersons currently receive monthly stipends. The number will be increased to 500 by bringing another 200 athletes under the programme, while para athletes winning gold medals or achieving notable success in international competitions will also be included sports allowance in phases.

He said athletes with disabilities would receive year-round training instead of short-term preparation before major competitions. The government, he added, is working to ensure long-term coaching, modern facilities and improved infrastructure to help them compete successfully at the international level.

The State Minister also unveiled plans to develop the Mirpur Stadium area into a comprehensive sports hub and said discussions were underway on establishing a modern sports complex exclusively for athletes with disabilities.

To broaden participation, he said talent identification programmes would be expanded to all sixty four districts, where regular para sports competitions would be organised. The government is also planning to launch a nationwide talent hunt under the banner of “Notun Kuri Para Sports” to identify and nurture promising athletes from across the country.