Sports Minister warns of accountability after Bangladesh’s disappointing Asian Games performance

Bangladesh returned from the Asian Games with just one bronze medal after competing in 22 disciplines, prompting Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque to take a tougher stance on athletes’ performance and discipline.

Speaking as the chief guest at a ceremony to distribute jerseys and sports equipment to Bangladesh’s contingent for the upcoming Para Asian Games at the National Sports Council on Wednesday, Haque stressed the need for greater professionalism and accountability among athletes representing the country.

“Losing in football or cricket is part of sport. But athletes should not be roaming around unnecessarily while participating in competitions. They must be more responsible and remain committed to the principle of putting Bangladesh first,” the minister said.

Haque also announced that a high-level committee would be formed to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Bangladesh’s performance at the Asian Games. The committee’s findings will be used to formulate a long-term strategy for improving the country’s performance in international competitions.

The minister said the government was not seeking immediate results but aimed to prepare Bangladeshi athletes to compete at an international standard over the next five years.

“A committee is being formed and it will submit a report. Based on that, we will begin long-term training from December. We are not looking for results immediately; we want results after five years,” he said.

He added that athletes would also be brought under a system of accountability as part of the government’s efforts to improve discipline and performance.

Meanwhile, 12 Bangladeshi athletes will compete in six disciplines at the upcoming Para Asian Games: archery, athletics, badminton, swimming, table tennis and boccia.

The Bangladesh contingent has already completed a 70-day intensive training programme ahead of the Games. Chaiti Rani in athletics and Jhuma Akter in archery are among the athletes expected to have strong medal prospects.

Considering the athletes’ physical disabilities and support requirements, the contingent will comprise 32 members, including the 12 athletes, six to seven support staff and one coach for each of five disciplines.