Adviser for the Youth and Sports Ministry, Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan announced Sunday the establishment of the Bangladesh Sports Institute, which he described as a "breakthrough step" for the country’s athletes in achieving peak performance in the future.
“We are launching a new initiative from the ministry. We are on the verge of a breakthrough decision, which is not only a first in Bangladesh sports but also significant for athletes, coaches, and everyone involved in sports. With the slogan ‘Center of Excellence,’ the Bangladesh Sports Institute is set to be introduced for the first time in Bangladesh,” said the sports adviser at a packed press conference held in the meeting room of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan is currently the first and only national sports education institute in the country.
Asif mentioned that the new institute will be specialized for higher-level performance.
“There is BKSP, but it only caters to those up to the intermediate level. We don’t have a specialized institute for peak performance. We lack peak performers,” the sports adviser said.
In response to a query about former Youth and Sports Minister Nazmul Hasan’s reported decision to resign as Bangladesh Cricket Board president, Asif declined to comment, citing the absence of any official statement from the BCB chief regarding the matter.
Regarding the BCB matter, Asif said they are in discussions with various stakeholders, including organizers and former cricketers, to reach a positive resolution.
The youth and sports adviser also mentioned that they have an agenda to make sports "politics-free."
He added: “A search committee will be formed. We are doing our best to reduce political influence in sports.”
Regarding the Bangladesh Sports Institute, Asif noted that the project is still in its preliminary stages, and the feasibility study has not yet been conducted.
However, he expressed hope that the sports institute initiative would be implemented soon.
He said: “There is no specific timeframe. Hopefully, it will be done as soon as possible.”
‘Combining Sports and Science’
To achieve "overall success in sports", the newly announced sports institute by the Youth and Sports Ministry under new leadership aims to enhance the physical and mental capabilities of athletes, develop sports techniques and leadership qualities, and foster overall development.
Asif briefed the media about the plans and actions in this regard during Sunday's meeting at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
In the briefing, the adviser said the Bangladesh Sports Institute will provide specialized sports services and infrastructural facilities through effective collaboration with national and internationally renowned sports institutions to produce skilled athletes of international standards and achieve high results at the international level.
“Many developed countries, including the UK, USA, China, and France have achieved incredible success in sports by combining sports and science. Bangladesh also aims to reach that goal through the Bangladesh Sports Institute,” Asif stated in a media release.
He further explained that to reach the target, ensure the quality of service, and achieve the desired results, experts from both within and outside the country will be involved with the Bangladesh Sports Institute.
“Bangladesh Sports Institute will be a blessing for the sportspersons of this country as a center of excellence.”
Asif also mentioned that the Ministry of Youth and Sports is taking various initiatives to maintain a fair environment and activities in all areas of the sports arena, overcoming the ongoing crisis.