Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said sports are no longer limited to entertainment or physical fitness, but have gained recognition as a profession, stressing the need to develop talented athletes through modern training, proper facilities and sustained support.

In a message on the occasion of the "Koko 18th National Summer Athletics Competition-2026", he said the government had included sports education in the school curriculum to establish sports as a profession.

The prime minister said sports help develop physical fitness, mental strength, discipline, self-confidence and leadership, while promoting harmony, mutual respect and patriotism.

Paying tribute to late sports organiser Arafat Rahman Koko, he said the Bangladesh Athletics Federation was organising the competition in his memory.

Highlighting the importance of athletics, Tarique Rahman said planned initiatives were needed to identify talent at the grassroots level and prepare athletes to compete internationally.

He stressed the need for modern training facilities, skilled coaches, scientific training methods, nutrition, medical services and regular competitions to nurture promising athletes from both urban and remote areas.

He also called for stronger coordination among educational institutions, sports organisations and national federations, emphasising that athletes' education, health, safety and future livelihoods must be protected.

Urging participants to uphold discipline, fairness and sportsmanship, he called on organisers to ensure transparency and professionalism.

The prime minister also stressed expanding opportunities for female athletes and ensuring that financial constraints or geographical barriers did not prevent talented young people from pursuing sports.

He said cooperation among the government, sports federations, clubs, sponsors, media, educational institutions and parents was essential to improving sports infrastructure, preserving playing fields and recognising athletes' achievements.

Expressing hope that the competition would discover new talent and strengthen athletics nationwide, he wished the organisers and participants every success.