Inter-School Gymnastics competition concludes

Special Correspondent
Published: 11 Oct, 2026
Updated: 21 Oct, 2026
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The two-day Inter-School Gymnastics Competition concluded with an award ceremony at the National Sports Council Gymnasium in the capital. Organised and managed by the Bangladesh Gymnastics Federation, the event took place on October 9 and 10.

On Saturday, the Chief Guest, Mr. Md. Abdus Salam (Bir Protik)—an Administrator of the Dhaka South City Corporation and a Freedom Fighter—distributed awards to the winners. Mr. Syed Toufiq Uddin Ahmed, Executive Director (Admin) of MGI, attended the event as a special guest. The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Md. Mostafa Kamal (BPM-Seba), the Honorable President of the Bangladesh Gymnastics Federation and Chief of the PBI (Additional IGP).

Crests and various commemorative awards were presented to the 222 competitors across different events.

The Chief Guest, Freedom Fighter Mr. Md. Abdus Salam (Bir Protik), extended his greetings to the event's president, all guests, gymnasts, and their guardians. Addressing the young gymnasts, he said, "One day, you will grow up to participate in major global sporting events and bring honor to the country." He thanked the General Secretary for initiating training at the school level, noting that becoming a good gymnast paves the way to becoming a skilled athlete, which is why participation in sports is essential.

He assured the gathering that he would speak with the Sports Minister and the Prime Minister regarding the advancement of gymnastics. He emphasized that sports are vital for maintaining good health and that there is no substitute for practice. He noted that the current Honorable Prime Minister, Mr. Tareq Rahman, has prioritized sports since his election; he has organized events like 'Notun Kuri' and initiated sports allowances for athletes—a first in Bangladesh. He added, "If you become successful professional athletes, you will be a great asset to your families. A skilled athlete is in no way inferior to an engineer." He urged the Gymnastics Federation to continue their activities and proposed organizing a "Mayor's Cup," expressing his intention to bear all associated costs. He remarked that an athlete must not neglect or harm their own physique. He praised the young athletes from the Hill Tracts and Dinajpur regions and called for the construction of gymnasiums in those areas. He encouraged the players with applause and concluded his speech by urging the General Secretary to move forward with these initiatives.

Special Guest Syed Toufiq Uddin Ahmed, Executive Director (Admin) of MGI, expressed his gratitude to the event's chair and the chief guest, noting that he was representing the Meghna Group. He mentioned that while he had watched the world's best gymnasts perform on television, he had never witnessed a live gymnastics competition before; he was overwhelmed by the experience of seeing it firsthand today. He expressed his good fortune at being invited as a special guest and concluded his speech by wishing for the advancement of the sport and the well-being of the young gymnasts.

The General Secretary of the Bangladesh Gymnastics Federation thanked the chief guest, the chair, and all attendees, noting that both the chief guest and the chair are distinguished sports organizers. He explained that the federation conducts training for 1,000 gymnasts from approximately 100 schools but faces a shortage of space. He stated that access to modern gymnasiums and necessary facilities would enable them to achieve even better results and requested the administrator to arrange for a suitable venue. He further added that, subject to the honorable chief guest's approval, they are keen to organize a "Mayor's Cup" gymnastics competition.

In his address, the President of the event—Mr. Md. Mostafa Kamal (BPM-Seba), President of the Bangladesh Gymnastics Federation and Chief of PBI (Additional IGP)—began by extending greetings and thanks to the chief guest, special guest, guardians, coaches, gymnasts, and all others present. He remarked that the chief guest is a dedicated sports organizer and a true sports enthusiast. He also thanked the representative from the Meghna Group for attending the event and expressed his gratitude to the owner of 'Fresh'. He remarked that we must move forward while acknowledging our limitations. He thanked members of the press for covering the event and expressed hope that the administrator would allocate a dedicated space for the sport. Finally, he concluded his speech by thanking everyone and wishing for the well-being of all and the advancement of gymnastics.

A total of 222 students from approximately 54 schools and madrasas across the country participated in this competition.

Among the 222 participating gymnasts, there were 118 boys and 104 girls. With the participation of students from various educational institutions—including both mainstream and English-medium schools—across the country, this event is regarded as a significant platform for practicing gymnastics and engaging students in competitive sports at the school level.

Participating institutions included Bangladesh Krira Shiksha Protishthan (BKSP), Jahangirnagar Nabadiganta Shikshalay, BPATC School and College, Quantum Cosmo School and College, Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, and Siddheswari Girls' School and College, alongside institutions from districts such as Dinajpur and Patuakhali. Additionally, several English-medium schools from Dhaka took part in the competition.