171 athletes across 18 federations receive govt sports cards

In a move that signals a paradigm shift for professional athletics in Bangladesh, the government’s ambitious sports welfare initiative reached its first major milestone on Sunday as 171 additional athletes from 18 federations were formally inducted into the state’s high-value allowance scheme. 

The second-phase rollout, held at the National Sports Council (NSC) Tower Auditorium, brings the total number of beneficiaries to 300, fulfilling the government’s pledge to provide elite competitors with a robust financial safety net of Tk1 lakh per month.

Presiding over the ceremony, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque distributed the dedicated sports cards and initial disbursements to a diverse cohort of athletes, ranging from traditional powerhouses to emerging disciplines. 

A significant highlight of the morning was the fast-tracking of the newly formed national women’s hockey squad.

In a poignant gesture of intent, all 18 members of the maiden team were brought under the scheme just hours before their departure for Indonesia to compete in the Asian Games qualifiers.

For a side yet to make its competitive debut in national colours, this state recognition serves as a massive psychological and financial fillip.

The Sunday induction also integrated 36 representatives from the national men’s and women’s football teams.

However, the ministry has maintained a strict "homegrown" policy for this phase, notably excluding expatriate players such as Hamza Choudhury, Shamit Shome, Fahamedul Islam, Tariq Kazi, and Anika Rania Siddiqui from the allowance list.

Beyond the pitch, the government also moved to reward immediate international success, presenting sports cards and a special Tk1 lakh cash prize to junior badminton sensations Sifat Ullah and Nazmul Islam Joy, who recently secured gold in the boys' doubles at the South Asian Regional Junior Badminton Championship in Islamabad.

The broader breakdown of Sunday’s recipients illustrates the scheme's inclusive reach, including athletes from bodybuilding (2), cycling (4), weightlifting (10), gymnastics (9), hockey (36 total), chess (11), archery (11), swimming (6), judo (3), wushu (4), kickboxing (2), tennis (2), handball (10), volleyball (14), shooting (5), table tennis (5), and triathlon (1).

While the initiative, inaugurated by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on 30 March, aims to eventually support 500 athletes with an annual state expenditure of Tk60 crore, the State Minister reiterated that the stipends are a reward for excellence, not a permanent entitlement. 

Under the current roadmap, the NSC will conduct rigorous performance evaluations every four months, ensuring that the roster remains meritocratic and that only those maintaining elite competitive standards continue to draw from the public exchequer.

By transitioning sports from a hobby to a viable career path, Bangladesh is finally laying the fiscal groundwork required to compete on the global stage.