“The golden jubilee of the country’s independence will be celebrated in 2021. We have to formulate a long-term plan to develop the sports sector in near future. There’s no alternative to devising and implementing a coordinated plan to achieve the desired successes in sports,” he said.
The President was addressing the opening ceremony of the 17th All Asia Open Karate Championship 2018 in the city.
Mentioning that there is huge potential to flourish the sports sector in the country as it has a long golden history, he said everyone alongside the government will have to play a leading role to take the sector forward.
Abdul Hamid said there is no alternative to sports for building the next generation as healthy, vigorous and good citizens. “To achieve success in the sports arena, we need to use the invincible strength, courage and potential of the young people,” he said, urging the country's athletes, organisers and all concerned to come forward with their sincerity and dedication in this regard.
He said practising sports is an essential element for development of society, formation of the nation and the evolution of world civilisation. “We have to prove ourselves with the development of education, culture, industry and economy in this era of globalisation.”
Calling for setting a new example of success and in sports, the President said, “Our girls and young footballers have set a remarkable example and achieved rare successes for the country. Bangladesh's performance in various sports events, including cricket, is quite commendable.”
The government is also taking and implementing various projects, including construction, renovation, expansion and development of the country's sports infrastructure and fund allocation, he said.
Declaring the 17th All Asia Open Karate Championship 2018 open, the head of the state, said, “I strongly believe that this Open Karate Championship will surely uphold the motto of Kyokushin Karate for building world peace and fraternity.”
Chief patron of International Karate Organisation Dr Dipu Moni presided over the inaugural ceremony while State Minister for Youth and Sports Dr Biren Sikder and IKO International Director Katshuhito Gorai were present.