State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque spoke at Kolatoli Beach during beach football tournament today. Photo : BSS

COX’S BAZAR, June 12, 2026 (BSS)– State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque said SAFF Beach Games would be organized in Cox’s Bazar, home to the world's longest natural sea beach.

He made the announcement while addressing as the chief guest in the final and prize-giving ceremony of the Under-15 Beach Football Tournament held at Kolatoli Beach in Cox’s Bazar today (Friday).

The State Minister said formal discussions have already been held with the Bangladesh Olympic Association regarding the initiative and added that the proposed Beach Games would gradually expand to include several sporting disciplines alongside football.

Referring to his recent visit at the opening ceremony of the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, Aminul Haque said he had observed that an artificial beach had been constructed specifically for the event.

“We have the world's longest natural sea beach. We want to utilize this wonderful asset,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of sports in building a healthy and drug-free society, the minister said there is no alternative to sports in keeping young people away from excessive dependence on digital devices and promoting physical and mental well-being.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to the overall development of sports and the creation of greater opportunities for young athletes across the country.

The State Minister also spoke about the grassroots sports development initiative, “Notun Kuri Sports.” He informed that the final phase of the current edition is expected to conclude by July, while the next edition of the programme will officially begin on September 1 and will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister.

Among the special guests present at the event were State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Barrister Mir Md. Helal Uddin, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md. Shariful Alam, and State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat.

In the tournament’s finals, Chattogram division emerged champions in both the boys’ and girls’ categories after defeating Mymensingh district.