Sports Villages planned in all 64 districts

The government plans to transform the sports sector into a major source of employment and economic activity, with initiatives including the construction of Sports Villages in all 64 districts.

The government has announced plans to develop the sports sector as an employment-oriented industry under the creative economy framework, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said while presenting the FY2026-27 budget in Parliament on Thursday.

As part of the initiative, Sports Villages will be established in all 64 districts. Preliminary designs have already been completed for 10 districts, he said.

The minister noted that 300 athletes are currently receiving government sports allowances, while efforts are underway to strengthen international cooperation through sports diplomacy.

He also highlighted the launch of the "Notun Kuri Sports" programme, which will provide scholarships to talented athletes aged between 12 and 14 years in eight disciplines, including football, cricket, kabaddi, athletics, badminton, chess, swimming and martial arts.

More than 168,000 young athletes have registered under the programme, for which the government has proposed an allocation of Tk 200 crore in the next fiscal year.

The government also plans to organise regular sports competitions and tournaments to ensure that every student participates in at least one sporting activity.

TZ