The Bangladesh Women Sports Federation (BWSF) organised an inclusive sports programme titled “Khelar Daak -- The Call to Play” -- on Friday at the Ria Gope Women’s Sports Complex, with the participation of 200 children, both boys and girls. 

The initiative aimed to promote gender equality, inclusion and mutual respect through sport, with overall supervision provided by Khelbei Bangladesh. Special emphasis was placed on encouraging girls’ participation, as many girls in Bangladesh lack access to sporting opportunities. 

The programme created a safe, supportive and motivating environment for them to engage in sports with confidence. The event began with a “Healthy Breath” mind-and-body session focusing on breathing techniques and physical exercises to enhance fitness, mental well-being and self-confidence. 

Under the guidance of certified coaches, participants took part in a wide range of sports, including football, cricket, badminton, golf, tennis, table tennis, archery, basketball and boxing --many experiencing these sports for the first time. 

All participating children were awarded medals at the end of the programme. BWSF president Barrister Sarwat Siraj Shukla said the initiative aimed to nurture values of equality by encouraging children to play together from an early age.