DHAKA, Oct 27, 2021 (BSS)—The Bangabandhu 5th Central South Asian Artistic Gymnastics, organized by Bangladesh Gymnastics federation to mark the birth centenary of the Father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was inaugurated today

Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen MP inaugurated the six-nation tournament as chief guest at the Shaheed Suhrawardi Indoor Stadium in Mirpur.

Apart from host Bangladesh, Nepal, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan are taking part in the tournament which will begin tomorrow (Thursday).

State Minister for Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan Russell, MP, was present as the special guest at the function presided over by president of Bangladesh Gymnastics Federation Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Mamun. Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) Secretary General Syed Shahed Reza was present as the Guest of Honor.

After recitation of the Holy Quran, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Mamun, president of the Federation, thanked and welcomed all the guests and participants. Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) Secretary General Syed Shahed Reza also welcomed everyone.

Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen,  MP,  inaugurated the tournament by hoisting the flag with the national anthem.

He said the Bangladesh Gymnastics Federation deserved a big thanks for organizing such an international competition this year.

“If our gymnasts can participate in such big competitions, maybe one day we will also win a gold medal in gymnastics. Greetings to all and best wishes for the competition,” he said.

Then a documentary on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was screened, where Bangabandhu's historic speech of March 7 was highlighted.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan Russell said, “We have a sports friendly Prime Minister. Inspired by her, we are moving forward in the field of sports. Like all other disciplines, gymnastics is under the scrutiny of our Ministry of Youth and Sports. We also have a chance to win a gold medal in this discipline. So I urge the gymnasts to move forward with that goal.”

Margarita Mamun, a Russian gymnast of Bangladeshi descent who won a gold medal in rhythmic gymnastics at the 2016 Rio Olympics, spoke on the occasion.

“It’s a world-class gymnastics competition,” she said. “I thank the organizers for giving me the opportunity to come and enjoy such a beautiful event. Greetings to all. Good luck for the competition,” she added.

Participating gymnasts from different countries performed physical exercises in the programme. After that a cultural programme was held.

President of the Federation Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Mamun handed over the memento of the tournament to the guests. The chief guest and special guest of the event handed over the memento to the goodwill ambassador of the tournament Margarita Mamun.

Ahmedur Rahma Bablu, General Secretary of the Federation spoke on the occasion.

This is the highest level of international gymnastics event in Bangladesh. Earlier, the Gymnastics Federation 10 years ago organized Sultana Kamal 4th Central South Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championship 2011.

A total of 177 people, including 67 gymnasts, coaches, judges and officials from six countries are participating in this year's event.

A total of 22 events will be held in three categories (male senior and junior and female).

Some 12 gymnasts from Bangladesh will take part in three events.