Prime minister Tarique Rahman has urged students to focus not only on sports but also on academic and creative activities.

‘Besides sports, you must also excel in your studies and cultural activities. However, it is important that you participate in different kinds of sports,’ he said at the prize-giving ceremony of the Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament followed by the final matches of boys and girls at the Bangladesh Army Stadium on Saturday.

The prime minister said that the government mulled to organise the Gold Cup Football Tournament at the secondary school level from next year. ‘We plan to introduce the prime minister’s cup from next year.’

Tarique Rahman asked the children how they enjoyed playing football on the green field. When he asked who wanted to play sports, many students raised their hands, which pleased him.

The prime minister said that 22 lakh boys and girls participated in this year’s football tournament.

‘It is not enough to play only football. You should also play cricket and learn swimming. You are the future of the country. Therefore, you must move forward in every field and become skilled in all areas,’ he said.

He inaugurated the girls’ final match by releasing balloons. Ministry of Primary and Mass Education organised the national event.

Addressing the gathering, the he said, ‘Before the election, we promised that if elected, we would promote sports throughout the country. We are working to fulfil that commitment.’

Tarique Rahman hoped that the students would represent Bangladesh across the world through various sports in future.

In the girls’ final, Jorgacha United Government Primary School of Santhia in Pabna became champions by defeating Achargao Government Primary School of Nandail in Mymensingh, by 4–2 goals.

In the boys’ final, Darial Mia Government Primary School of Bakerganj in Barishal became champion by defeating Darirampur Model Government Primary School of Trishal by 1–0 goal.

Tarique Rahman said that over the past one and a half months, 22 lakh boys and girls participated in 1,23,000 matches and events in this year’s Gold Cup tournament.

He requested the organisers to contact the Guinness Book authorities so that these achievements could be recognised and included in the Guinness World Records.

Addressing the young students, he said, ‘My little friends, it is not enough just to play sports. I know many of you can sing well and recite the Qur’an beautifully. You are the future of Bangladesh.’

‘Therefore, you must become skilled in every aspect of life. If you can develop your talents and abilities, only then we will be able to build a beautiful and strong Bangladesh. When you grow up, it will be your responsibility to lead the country effectively,’ he added.

Tarique Rahman asked the students, ‘Let me see who among you has the confidence to run the country successfully in the future.’

Mentioning that Bangladesh must progress significantly through sports, he said, ‘Just as the world recognises Bangladesh through cricket, one day everyone will also know us through football, hockey, swimming, and tennis.’

You will be the ambassadors of Bangladesh throughout the world. You will take Bangladesh forward and help build the nation. I believe you can build a country even better than we have, he said.

Addressing the students again, he said, ‘You must become proficient in all areas. In a few days, an innovation fair will be organised at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka, where children of your age will participate.’

He said, ‘We must build Bangladesh into a strong and respected nation. We must make Bangladesh a well-known country around the world. That responsibility belongs to you because this is your future and this is your Bangladesh.’

He concluded with the slogan, ‘Let us work, let us build the nation-Bangladesh first.’

Home minister Salahuddin Ahmed, state minister for primary and mass education Bobby Hajjaj, state minister for information and broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury and PM primary and mass education adviser Mahdi Amin, among others, were present.

The prime minister handed over prize money and medals to the champion team, runners-up, best player and highest goal scorers. Referees were also honoured with awards.

The country’s largest primary-school sports event began on April 6. More than 11 lakh girls and 11 lakh boys from 65,342 government primary schools across Bangladesh participated in the tournament.