Female Participation from Madrasas, Schools Made Optional in PM's Gold Cup Football

Participation of female teams from madrasas, schools, and colleges in the upcoming Prime Minister's Gold Cup National Football Tournament has been made optional, Education and Primary & Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haq Milon announced today.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Chattogram Press Club on Thursday (July 30), the minister clarified the structure of the national tournament. "The Prime Minister's Gold Cup National Football Competition will feature both boys and girls. However, female participation from madrasas, schools, and colleges will be discretionary. Institutions can choose to join or refrain," Dr. Milon stated.

Outlining the administration's broader vision, the minister noted that sports integration aligns directly with the government's electoral commitments to reform education and youth development.

Key objectives highlighted include:

• Grassroots Sports Expansion: Expanding athletic activities to the local level and establishing sports as a viable professional career path.

• Talent Hunt Schemes: Launching systematic talent identification initiatives within educational institutions to nurture latent athletic potential.

• Safeguarding Female Athletes: Enhancing security measures and expanding opportunities specifically tailored for female sports participants.

• Sports Economy & Development: Promoting a sports economy, ensuring joyful learning environments, and transforming youth into skilled human capital through organized sports.

During the event, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj remarked that the government is actively implementing policies to guarantee inclusive education across all demographics.

Tournament Inauguration Postponed to September

Originally scheduled to kick off on August 9, the inaugural ceremony of the tournament has been deferred by a month following the Prime Minister's approval.

Dr. Milon explained that severe flooding and natural disasters in Chattogram disrupted local logistics and delayed ongoing secondary board examinations. As a result, the national tournament is now slated to begin on September 9 or 10.