In his role as the Youth and Sports Minister of the current government, Nazmul Hasan Papon, not only the custodian of cricket but also the overseer of the entire sports domain, assumed office on Sunday. Greeted by officials from about 54 federations, Papon expressed his commitment to supporting sports beyond cricket. In an exchange meeting with journalists and federation officials, he emphasized the need to sit individually with each federation, listen to their concerns, and collaborate on setting targets and budgets.
Sports Minister Pledges Three-Year Support to Federations
In his role as the Youth and Sports Minister of the current government, Nazmul Hasan Papon, not only the custodian of cricket but also the overseer of the entire sports domain, assumed office on Sunday. Greeted by officials from about 54 federations, Papon expressed his commitment to supporting sports beyond cricket. In an exchange meeting with journalists and federation officials, he emphasized the need to sit individually with each federation, listen to their concerns, and collaborate on setting targets and budgets.
"I will give them three years to see progress," stated Nazmul Hasan. He emphasized the importance of realistic goals, saying, "If after three years I see them doing well, moving towards the goal, then I will think ahead." Papon emphasized the significance of sponsorship, pointing out that federations need to seek sponsors, and the government cannot be the sole source of funding.
Addressing the reality of different sports' popularity, Papon acknowledged that not all sports may reach the international level. However, he urged federations to proactively work on their financial challenges and set achievable targets. Drawing attention to the success of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in securing sponsors, he encouraged other federations to understand the importance of attracting sponsors.
Having won the 12th National Parliament election on January 7, Papon, representing the Awami League, secured his fourth consecutive term as a Member of Parliament from Kishoreganj-6 Constituency. Despite his extensive political career, this marks his first stint as a minister, having taken the oath on January 11 as the Youth and Sports Minister in the current government.
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