National Youth Para Games begin with a spirit of determination

A celebration of courage, grit, and youthful dreams unfolded at the National Stadium on Friday evening, as the curtain rose on the National Youth Para Games, featuring around 200 physically challenged athletes from across the country.

The two-day event showcases competitions in swimming, athletics, and taekwondo, welcoming participants aged between 12 and 20.
The opening ceremony was graced by Mahbubul Alam, Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, who inaugurated the event amid warm applause and a festive atmosphere.
Among those present were Kazi Nazrul Islam, Executive Director of the National Sports Council, former Bangladesh cricket captains Habibul Bashar, Sanwar Hossain, and Javed Omar Belim, along with Dr Maruf Ahmed Mridul, Secretary-General of the National Paralympic Committee of Bangladesh (NPCB).

In his inaugural address, Mahbubul Alam struck an optimistic tone, saying, "These physically challenged athletes are the ones who can bring medals home from abroad. They must, however, continue to learn and improve their skills. With determination and the right support, they surely will."

Echoing this sentiment, Kazi Nazrul Islam remarked, "Despite their physical challenges, our para athletes continue to bring glory to Bangladesh. We are fully committed to supporting them in every possible way."

NPCB Secretary-General Dr Maruf Ahmed Mridul highlighted the significance of the event, noting, "This competition will help us identify the finest talents to represent Bangladesh at the upcoming Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai this December."

Earlier in the morning, the swimming segment was held at the Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Swimming Complex, where the nation's budding para swimmers made a splash of pride and perseverance.

Pallab Karmakar (Men's S7), Sumaiya (Women's S7), Towhid Kabir (Men's S14), Akiya (Women's S14), Sakib Ahmed (Men's S9), Sagar (Men's S13), Labib Al Zaris (Men's S8), and Nasrin (Women's S8) each struck gold in their respective events.

The Games will conclude today (Saturday), with athletics events at the National Stadium and taekwondo competitions at the National Sports Council Gymnasium, a fitting finale to a festival of ability, resilience, and hope.