Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said the government will undertake projects to develop tennis courts at schools, colleges, and universities to popularize tennis alongside cricket and football.
“We are usually busy with cricket and football, but tennis is also a good sport. We will provide assistance so that universities, colleges, and schools can set up tennis courts and help the game to flourish, as the young generation is also showing an interest in the sport,” she said on Wednesday (Nov 20).
The prime minister said this while speaking to the players of the participating countries in the Sheikh Russell International Club Cup Tennis Tournament 2019, and diplomats of the respective countries when they called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban, reports UNB.
Khulna district administration, in collaboration with Cabinet Division and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, arranged the six-day tournament to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sheikh Russell - the youngest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Sheikh Hasina said the government has prioritized the development of infrastructure for games and sports to attract children and young generations.
“We always put emphasis on sports, which helps build the mental strength to our children and youth. The more the young generation will be involved with sports and games, the more their mentality will be broadened and they will be physically sound,” she said.
In this regard, she urged the people to come forward in advancing and popularizing not only cricket and football, but also games like tennis in the country.
The prime minister assured them of providing necessary cooperation to promote the game of tennis saying the government would extend support to develop infrastructures for tennis.
Putting emphasis on involving children in games and sports, she discussed how extracurricular activities help them maintain sound health and mind.
The prime minister congratulated the winners as well as other players who participated in the tournament, and said such tournaments create opportunities to know each other.
Besides, players of Bangladesh also get opportunities to develop themselves through exchanging views with foreign players, she added.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Zahid Ahsan Russel, Sheikh Salahuddin Jewel MP and Abdus Salam Murshedi MP were present during the program.
In addition, Indian High Commissioner Riva Ganguly Das, along with a number of ambassadors and high commissioners of participating countries, were among others present on the occasion.
Players of 27 clubs from 19 participating countries including Bangladesh, USA, India, Italy, UK, Australia, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Tajikistan, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Nepal took part in the tournament.
The matches were held at different venues of Khulna, Bagerhat and Satkhira including the Khulna Circuit House, Sheikh Russel International Tennis ground, Officers’ club, Khulna Club and the Khulna University ground.