Tk 200 crore proposed for sports sector in 2026-27 budget

Tk 200 crore proposed for sports sector in 2026-27 budget

The proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year has allocated Tk 200 crore for the sports sector. The aim is to transform the sports sector from mere entertainment into a full-fledged economic industry under the creative economy, generating income and employment.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said in his budget speech at the National Parliament on Thursday, June 11, "We have taken initiatives to construct sports villages in 64 districts. Preliminary designs for sports villages in 10 districts have already been prepared. Steps have also been taken to strengthen sports diplomacy to increase international cooperation."

He further said that following the prime minister's announcement, the 'Notun Kuri Sports' programme has already been launched, under which talented sports students aged 12 to 14 will be awarded scholarships. Eight sports have been included under this programme: football, cricket, kabaddi, athletics, badminton, chess, swimming and martial arts.

The finance minister said a total of 1,68,622 players—1,21,492 boys and 47,130 girls—have registered for 'Notun Kuri Sports' from across the country. Regular sports competitions and tournaments will be organised at various levels to ensure that each student gets the opportunity to participate in at least one sport. Additionally, the current government has already provided sports allowances to 300 athletes to establish sports as a profession.