Today on Thursday (August 6) morning, he said these things as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the Asian Para Games Training Camp-2026 at the National Stadium in Dhaka.
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National-level international standard tournament to be arranged for special needs athletes: State Minister for Youth and Sports
The State Minister said, a principled decision has been taken to organize a national-level international standard competition involving special needs athletes, and if possible, the Prime Minister herself will be present at the inauguration. He said, ‘The child that many families hide due to shame, that very child can one day bring medals for Bangladesh in the Olympics, Asian Games or Para Games. So it is time to be proud of them, not ashamed.’
He informed that currently 300 athletes are receiving regular sports allowances. The target has been set to bring another 200 under this program and pay allowances to a total of 500 athletes. New athletes who win gold medals or notable success in the Asian Para Games and other international competitions will also be gradually included in the sports allowance program.
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Aminul Haque said special needs athletes will be kept under regular training throughout the year, not just before competitions. The government is working to ensure long-term training, facilities and necessary infrastructure to build them to international standards.
He further said there is a plan to develop the Mirpur Stadium area as a complete sports hub. In addition, discussions are underway with concerned parties about constructing a modern sports complex for special needs athletes.
The State Minister informed that beyond capital-centric activities, special needs athletes will be sought out in all 64 districts of the country and regular competitions will be organized for them. In this regard, there is also a plan to organize a national-level talent search competition named ‘New Sprout Para Sports’.