President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has inaugurated the Arafat Rahman Koko 18th National Summer Athletics Competition 2026.

He formally inaugurated the competition by releasing balloons and festoons at the National Stadium on Friday evening (October 23).

The president said sports are essential to protecting the younger generation from drug addiction, mobile phone addiction and frustration. Sports teach young people discipline, perseverance and self-confidence. He stressed the need to expand sports facilities and playgrounds to protect young people from destructive influences and build a healthy nation.

He also said athletics is known as the “mother of sports” because it tests an athlete’s speed, strength, agility, discipline and endurance. Strengthening the foundation of athletics would also improve the country’s capabilities in other sports.

The president described sports as a symbol of national pride and unity. Raising Bangladesh’s flag on the international stage and hearing the national anthem played at a victory ceremony are sources of pride for the entire nation. At such moments, he said, “We have only one identity—we are Bangladeshis.”

He stressed the importance of developing homegrown athletes and ensuring success for Bangladesh’s teams in international competitions.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam said a new enthusiasm had emerged in the country’s sporting arena, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman playing an important role in promoting sports at all levels, starting from the grassroots.

He expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude to the prime minister for his efforts.

The president said the government had undertaken various initiatives to expand sports, build a healthy nation and create employment opportunities. These include introducing sports cards and sports allowances, identifying talent at the grassroots level, and developing modern sports villages at the district level.

He added that the prime minister had directed the authorities to ensure at least one playground in every union, and work on the initiative had already begun.

The president urged the relevant authorities to reclaim illegally occupied playgrounds, protect them and identify locations for new playing fields.

He also called for equal opportunities for female athletes and stressed that no talent should be lost because of financial constraints. To achieve this, he urged regular competitions at schools, colleges and district and upazila levels.

He further called on the authorities to introduce inter-school sports competitions. Alongside government initiatives, he urged industrial enterprises, banks, insurance companies and businesspeople to come forward as long-term sponsors to help develop world-class athletes.

Expressing optimism, the president said the competition would produce many talented athletes who would bring further glory to Bangladesh on the international stage.

Noting that the competition had been dedicated to the memory of prominent sports organiser Arafat Rahman Koko, the president prayed for the salvation of his soul. He then formally declared the Arafat Rahman Koko 18th National Athletics Competition 2026 open.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Mohammad Abdullah Zaber, president of the Bangladesh Athletics Federation. State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque delivered the special guest’s address, while Advocate Ali Imam Tapan, general secretary of the federation, delivered the welcome speech.

Earlier, a march-past featuring 57 participating teams was held, followed by a performance of the competition’s theme song.

Former athletes Mohiuddin Ahmed and Sumita Rani Das lit the games’ torch.

After the inauguration, the president watched the men’s and women’s 100-metre sprint events and presented medals to the winners.

Earlier, around 4:00 pm, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir arrived at the National Stadium, where he was welcomed by State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque; Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator and freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam; Bangladesh Athletics Federation President Mohammad Abdullah Zaber; and its General Secretary Advocate Ali Imam Tapan.