Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina opened the Sheikh Russell International Club Cup Tennis Tournament, 2019, stressing the the need for sports and cultural activities alongside academic pursuits to make the youths, teenagers and children worthy citizens of the country.
She opened the tournament through a video conferencing at her official Ganabhaban residence on Wednesday (Nov 13), reports BSS.
A brief presentation on the Sheikh Russell International Club Cup Tennis Tournament was also screened on the occasion.
As many as 19 countries including host Bangladesh, USA, UK, Italy, India, Pakistan, Srilanka, Australia and Nepal are taking part in the tournament.
“Our target is to make the youths, teenagers and children as the worthy citizens of the country. So, it is necessary for them to take part in sports and cultural activities alongside academic pursuits to groom themselves as worthy citizens,” she said.
“The importance of sports and culture is essential to keep children away from militancy, terrorism and drugs,” she added.
Hasina went on saying, “We want our children to participate in sports and cultural competitions alongside studies for developing their sound health and mind.”
The premier said sports and cultural activities instill sense of discipline, responsibility, patriotism to children which is crucial for making them as worthy citizens.
She said the government was constructing mini-stadiums at each of the upazilas so that players’ can practices in proper way to hone their talents.
Mentioning herself as a sports family member, Sheikh Hasina said her grandfather Sheikh Lutfur Rahman, father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and two brothers Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Kamal were footballers.
The prime minister said her government attached special importance to sports and cultural activities as such pursuits can help children build their mental and physical health.