Dhaka set to host first-ever SA Para Games

A narrow failure to win a medal at the Asian Para Games has been followed by a major diplomatic victory for Bangladesh, which has been chosen to host the first-ever South Asian Para Games.

The decision was reached during a meeting of officials from seven South Asian nations at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Nagoya on Friday. After extensive discussions, Asian Paralympic Committee President Majid Rashed proposed the new regional sporting event and officially selected Bangladesh as the host for its very first edition.

"If everything goes well, the first South Asian Para Games could be held in Dhaka in November or December next year," stated Dr. Maruf Ahmed Mridul, Secretary General of the National Paralympic Committee of Bangladesh. "Asian Paralympic Committee President Majid Rashed has expressed exactly this wish."

South Asian countries including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Nepal, and Bhutan already participate in various regional competitions like the South Asian Games and SAFF Football Championship. Now, para-sports officials are expanding this regional cooperation.

Dr. Mridul explained the strategic reasoning behind selecting Bangladesh over its neighbours for this landmark event.

"Due to political tensions, India does not go to Pakistan to play, and Pakistan does not visit India. Therefore, Majid chose Bangladesh as a neutral venue for the Games," he noted. "Not only that, the secretariat of South Asian Para Sports will also be based in Dhaka. We have spoken with officials from India, the Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, and South Korea regarding this."

The Nagoya summit also secured vital athletic development agreements and featured a positive meeting with International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons.

"We have signed memorandums of understanding with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Maldives for advanced training," Mridul added. "Under this agreement, our para-athletes will be able to take part in high-quality training programmes in those countries."

Meanwhile, swimming officials from 20 participating nations including China, India, and Iran made a preliminary decision to launch a dedicated Asian Para Swimming Championship.

Bangladesh swimming coach Golam Mostafa confirmed the initiative: "To help athletes perform better at the Asian Para Games, swimming officials from about 20 countries met and made the initial decision to organise the Asian Para Swimming Championship. An official from Tajikistan has been appointed to head the feasibility committee."