Photo: Collected
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam has said the government is committed to establishing sports, including football, not merely as a means of entertainment but as one of the ways of profession and earning a livelihood.
He said ensuring the financial security of skilled players who have earned a reputation at the national level is also part of the government’s commitment. Through the development of sports, it is possible to build the young generation as physically and mentally healthy, capable and worthy citizens.
He said this while speaking as the chief guest at the prize-giving ceremony among the winners after the final of a football competition organised by the Government Employees Social Welfare Centre at the Green Road Government Employees Quarters in the capital on Saturday.
Sheikh Rabiul Alam said sports play an important role in building a nation as mentally strong and physically capable. The more the young generation is engaged in sports, practice and athletic pursuits, the more their opportunity to grow up healthy and be established as worthy citizens will increase.
In his words, the government wants the youth to develop their talent and skill in sports to the fullest. Interest in sports, regular practice and a competitive spirit will help increase their sense of discipline, mutual cooperation and responsibility. At the same time, if professional opportunities are created for the talented in the sports arena, sports can become an effective means of earning a livelihood.
The minister said football is a game where, alongside individual skill, team coordination, tactics, discipline and mutual cooperation are extremely important. For a team to succeed, there has to be understanding among the players, passing the ball at the right time, building attacks and the ability to deal with the opponent’s tactics.
Praising the performance of the players who took part in the final, he said the players’ pace on the field, ball control, coordination with teammates and efforts to conduct attacks were enjoyable. The players of both teams tried their utmost to win. Such competitions play a role in the practice of football at the local level and in enhancing the skills of players.
He said the beauty of sports is not confined only to achieving victory; its real lesson also lies in accepting victory with joy and in accepting defeat normally and preparing for the next competition. Congratulations to those who have won today. And I also congratulate those who could not win. Because taking part in competition, trying, and the continuous effort to overcome one’s own limitations are what create the path for players to move forward.
Sheikh Rabiul Alam said the tolerance, mutual respect and cordiality that are practised through sports need to be established in other areas of society as well. In politics and social life too, it is essential to build a culture of accepting victory and defeat, remaining respectful of dissenting views and working for public welfare.
He said the government wants to build a united society where there will be an environment of entertainment, harmony and mutual cooperation. Upholding social and national traditions, everyone must work collectively for the development of the country. He also laid emphasis on integrity in politics, commitment to public welfare and establishing accountability.
Praising the role of the Government Employees Social Welfare Centre, the minister said such institutions play an important role through various social activities besides creating opportunities for entertainment and sports for government officials and employees. The activities of such centres, which have long been associated with the residences of government officials and employees, help strengthen social bonds at the local level.
He said government officials and employees need to have opportunities for healthy entertainment and sports alongside their working life. Such events can, besides increasing mutual relations, cooperation and cordiality among them, also make family members and other members of society interested in sports.
The minister further said sports competitions do not remain confined to the players alone; they create the involvement of spectators, organisers, local residents and people of different classes and professions. As a result, such events turn into a gathering that helps strengthen social harmony and unity.
Thanking the people concerned at the organising Government Employees Social Welfare Centre, he said that if such initiatives continue, the sports environment at the local level will be further enriched. At the same time, interest in sports will grow among the young generation and opportunities will be created for the development of new talent.
Addressing the spectators, players, media workers and government officials and employees present at the event, the minister said it is essential to remain united in tackling any crisis of the country. The practice of harmony and cooperation built through sports must be spread to the wider society too.
He called upon everyone to remain involved with sports and to work collectively for the welfare of the country.
According to information given by the organisers, 16 teams took part in this year’s football competition. More than 18 matches were held in the competition and four teams got the chance to play in the final stage. The competition came to an end with the final match on Saturday.
