Khulna dominate waters, Chattogram and Rangpur rule the track

Khulna division showcased absolute dominance in the swimming pool, whilst Chattogram and Rangpur divisions clinched the athletics titles at the National Junior (Under-14) Boys and Girls Athletics and Swimming Competition 2026, which concluded on Saturday at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan (BKSP) in Savar.

​Organised by the Directorate of Sports under the Ministry of Youth and Sports as part of its annual sports programme, the event was designed to scout grassroots talent and foster the long-term development of the nation's emerging athletes.

Around 200 young competitors from the country’s eight divisions battled for glory across 14 track and field events and 12 swimming disciplines.

​In the swimming events, Khulna division swept both the boys' and girls' categories, taking home the championship with an impressive haul of six gold, five silver, and three bronze medals.

Meanwhile, the athletics events witnessed fierce competition, with Chattogram division securing the boys' championship and Rangpur division claiming the girls' crown.

​Amena Begum, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, attended the Saturday morning event as the chief guest and inaugurated the competition before presenting medals and prize bonds to the young victors.

The closing ceremony was chaired by Md Mahbubur Rahman, Director of the Directorate of Sports.

​Praising the nationwide talent hunt, Amena said, "This initiative by the Directorate of Sports in developing skilled and quality athletes from the grassroots is commendable. The national and international-level athletes of tomorrow will emerge from here."

​Senior officials from the Directorate of Sports and BKSP, along with various divisional sports organisers, were also in attendance to witness the conclusion of the vibrant grassroots meet.