No Bangladesh Games this year

The 9th edition of the Bangladesh Games, originally scheduled for April 1-10, is highly unlikely to be held this year, hinted Bangladesh Olympic Association secretary general Syed Shahed Reza.

Within a week since the official conference as well as the logo and mascot unveiling ceremony, the biggest sports extravaganza of the country was postponed indefinitely due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The government lifted restrictions on sports events and activities last month subject to new health safety regulations. 

A few sports bodies organized competitions since then without following health guidelines.

Reza said, “It is not possible to hold the Games if the Covid-19 is not under control. It is not about single event by federations. It involves around 8,000-10,000 athletes in Dhaka. We have to observe first the second wave of corona in November-December.”

Some 10,600 athletes from 31 sports were expected to show up for the mega event at 22 different venues in and around the capital.

“We are ready but it depends on the situation,” replied Reza when asked if there is any possibility of the Games taking place in 2020.

“We discussed this among us, with the minister and the [BOA] president. For now, we have February next year in mind. But it is too uncertain.”

Meanwhile, the previous edition of the Bangladesh Games took place in 2013 after more than a decade.