He said this while speaking as chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the First Community Police Kabaddi Championship-2026 at the historic Nomani Maidan in Magura on Friday (October 2).

The minister said sports, alongside the physical and mental development of young people, awakens discipline, leadership, mutual cooperation and patriotism. The youth must remain united and aware against extremism, communalism and social degradation.

He said traditional rural Bengal sports including Ha-du-du, kabaddi, dariabandha and boat racing are an inseparable part of the country's culture. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs is working to present these sports to the new generation.

Referring to various programs taken on the occasion of Nazrul Year, Nitai Roy Chowdhury said various competitions and cultural programs have been taken to spread among the youth the spirit of Kazi Nazrul Islam's humanity, equality, non-communalism, patriotism and protest against injustice.

At the beginning of the event, the Superintendent of Police of Magura administered the oath to the players. Advocate Newaz Halima Arli, Member of Parliament from a reserved women's seat, along with people from the district administration, police, political leaders, sports organizers and various classes and professions, were present at the event.

Earlier, the Cultural Affairs Minister laid the foundation stone of the under-construction Shaheed Minar at Nomani Maidan in Magura in memory of the language martyrs.