Photo : Collected

DHAKA, June 3, 2025 (BSS) - Sports cooperation between Bangladesh and China has reached a new level this year, marking the 50th anniversary of bilateral friendship, said a press release issued today. 

As part of the initiative, a delegation led by Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP) Director General Brigadier General Md Munirul Islam inaugurated the "Bangladesh-China Friendship Cricket Center" at Yunnan Minzu University on May 24.

The Yunnan Minzu University authorities assured full support to BKSP in promoting cricket at the university and also pledged to collaborate on a long-term plan to introduce Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese martial art, at BKSP.

Earlier, On May 15, Yunnan Minzu University awarded special scholarships to two BKSP trainees from the football and boxing departments, currently studying at the university, a token of appreciation under the MoU. Besides, the process of awarding scholarships to four more BKSP trainees is now at the final stage.

It is mentionable that on April 24 this year, a 21-member Chinese delegation visited BKSP and inaugurated the "Bangladesh-China Tai Chi Center" on its premises. In addition, two Chinese instructors conducted training programmes on Tai Chi. Meanwhile, one coach and three trainees from China received cricket training at BKSP.

Earlier, on December 12 last year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between BKSP and Yunnan Minzu University, marking a significant milestone in the development of sports collaboration between the two countries.

According to the agreement, Yunnan Minzu University and BKSP will jointly organize the "Bangladesh-China Youth Camp" and take initiatives to enhance cultural exchange. The two institutions will facilitate the exchange of teachers, trainers, and students, as well as share research materials, academic publications, and expertise across various disciplines.

They will also work together on joint research projects, offer scholarships, and support training in arts and sports. These collaborative activities are expected to bring long-term benefits to both students and faculties of the two institutions.

As part of its broader vision for sports development, BKSP has initiated steps to sign agreements with several other Chinese universities. In this context, an MoU was signed with Wuhan Sports University on May 26. Under the agreement, the university will assist BKSP in establishing a rehabilitation center and offer scholarships for higher education in sports to its trainees.

On the other hand, BKSP will provide all possible support to Wuhan Sports University for the development of cricket.

Earlier, on December 13 last year, BKSP held discussions with Beijing Sports University (BSU) of China regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The talks focused on student exchanges between BSU and BKSP. Both sides agreed to cooperate in other common areas, including the exchange of teachers, trainers, and trainees.

It is noteworthy that fruitful discussions were also held on establishing the Bangladesh-China Cricket Institute at Beijing Sports University.