Foreign Ministry hosted the 2nd Diplomatic Indoor Games 2026 in Dhaka. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, Aug 31, 2026 (BSS) - The Foreign Ministry hosted the 2nd Diplomatic Indoor Games 2026 in Dhaka, bringing together diplomats and representatives of international organisations and government institutions to foster friendship and understanding through sports diplomacy.

The two-day event, held on August 28 and 29 at International School Dhaka (ISD), marked the opening event of the ministry's Sports Diplomacy Initiative 2026.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest, said a press release here today. 

"Sports have always been the language of trust and understanding among people. The games offered a relaxed space for our international partners and host institutions to have open conversations and build relationships outside their usual diplomatic settings," Rahman said while inaugurating the Games. 

The second edition of the games featured structured competitions in badminton and table tennis, creating a platform for members of Dhaka's diplomatic and international community to interact beyond formal diplomatic settings.

Diplomats and representatives from Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Nepal, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States took part in the event.

The Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh also participated alongside representatives from the United Nations, World Health Organization (WHO), World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), UNDP, International Organization for Migration (IOM), International Finance Corporation (IFC) and ISD.

ISD Director Mike Miller said it was a privilege for the school to welcome members of the diplomatic community to its campus.

"This spirit of global dignitaries and institutions coming together for good sportsmanship reflects exactly what we strive for through the IB curriculum; a genuine celebration of diversity and international-mindedness," he said.

Apart from sporting competition, the event provided opportunities for diplomats, international organisations, government representatives and partner institutions to interact and strengthen professional and personal connections.

The opening and closing ceremonies, hospitality areas and intervals between matches were designed to provide participants with opportunities for informal conversations and networking.

The tournament concluded with an awards ceremony recognising winners and runners-up across the badminton and table tennis categories.

In badminton men's doubles, IOM's Sohail Borua and Md Morshedul Alam Munna emerged champions, while ISD's Manas and Vaisak finished runners-up.

In mixed doubles, Foreign Ministry's Jayson and Sayeda Tasmin Sultana clinched the title, with Indonesia's Sapto Sudianto and Nur finishing runners-up.

WHO's Md Ruhul Quddus and Md Mohosin Azad won the table tennis doubles title, while their WHO colleagues Newton Rony Das and Md Suja Uddin Bhuiyan were runners-up.

Ayan Dewan of UNWFP won the table tennis singles title, while WHO's Md Ruhul Quddus finished runner-up.

Foreign Ministry Secretary Dr Nazrul Islam presented crests to the winning teams at the closing ceremony.