DHAKA, Aug 5. 2021 (BSS)- Twelve recipients received the prestigious Sheikh Kamal National Sports Council (NSC) award, on occasion of the 72nd birth anniversary of Shaheed Captain Sheikh Kamal, for their outstanding contribution to the sports arena.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina digitally joined the award-giving ceremony as the chief guest held today at Shaheed Captain Sheikh Kamal Auditorium of the NSC Tower from her official Ganabhaban residence here.

On behalf of the Premier, Youth and Sports Ministry’s Senior Secretary Mohammad Akhter Hossain handed over the award to the recipients.

A total of 10 persons including sportsmen, journalists, organisers and two organisations received the awards in seven categories.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports introduced the award for the first time as a token of respect to Shaheed Sheikh Kamal and to commemorate his outstanding contribution to the field of sports.

Each award comes with Taka one lakh, a crest and a certificate.

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) president and South Asian Football Federation Kazi Mohammad Salahuddin received the Sheikh Kamal Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sports persons Ruman Sana (archery), Mahfuza Khatun Shila (swimming) and Mabia Akhter Simanta (weightlifting) got the award.

Emerging sportsmen Akbar Ali (cricket), Fahad Rahman (chess), and Unnoti Khatun (football) have been awarded while organisers Monjur Kader (Sheikh Jamal DC) and Kyaw Shwe Hla (karate) have been given the award.

Veteran Journalist Mohammad Quamruzzaman also received the prestigious award.

Two organisations -- Bangladesh Cricket Board and Walton -- were also awarded.

Ministry’s Senior Secretary Mohammad Akhter Hossain gave the welcome address in the ceremony.

BFF president Kazi Mohammad Salahuddin, noted sports organizer and Bangladesh Awami League’s youth and sports affairs secretary Harunur Rashid and Swadhin Bangla Football Team manager Tanveer Mazhar Islam Tanna recalled memories with their close friend Sheikh Kamal.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports also arranged a discussion and doa mahfil on the occasion of 72nd birth anniversary of Sheikh Kamal at the Shaheed Sheikh Kamal Auditorium of NSC.

Remembering the contribution of Sheikh Kamal to flourish sports, culture and politics, presided by the State Minister for Youth and Sports Mohammad Zahid Ahsan Russel, MP,.

During the discussion, a documentary titled: "Sheikh Kamal uttal tarunner nabik” (Sheikh Kamal a sailor of a Strong Youth) was screened by the initiative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

After the discussion and doa mahfi, the Prime Minister unveiled the cover of a book titled: ”Chiro tarunner protik ononno Sheikh Kamal” (the symbol of eternal youth unique to Sheikh Kamal), published by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of the 72nd birth anniversary of Shaheed Sheikh Kamal, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Mohammad Akhter Hossain paid tribute to portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing wreaths at his Dhanmondi 32 no residence  at 9 am.

Later he paid tribute to the portrait of Sheikh Kamal on the Abahani Club premises and his grave at Banani graveyard.

It may be mentioned that Sheikh Kamal was born on August 5, 1949 in Tungipara village of Gopalganj. This is the first time the Ministry of Youth and Sports is officially celebrating his birthday.