Diplomats and representatives from 15 countries, UN agencies and international financial institutions came together for the 2nd Diplomatic Indoor Games 2026 in Dhaka, using badminton and table tennis as platforms for dialogue, networking and strengthening ties beyond formal diplomatic settings.
The two-day games, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at International School Dhaka (ISD) on 28 and 29 August, brought together representatives from Australia, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Nepal, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union, alongside officials from the UN, WHO, World Bank, ADB, UNDP, IOM and IFC, said a press release on Wednesday.
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman attended the opening ceremony as chief guest.
“Sports has always been the language of trust and understanding among people,” he said adding, “The games offered a relaxed space for our international partners and host institutions to have open conversations and build relationships outside their usual diplomatic settings.”
ISD Director Mike Miller said the event reflected values of diversity, collaboration and international-mindedness.
Foreign Secretary Nazrul Islam handed over crests to the winning teams at the closing ceremony on 29 August.
The Diplomatic Indoor Games are part of Bangladesh’s Sports Diplomacy Initiative 2026, using sports to promote goodwill, dialogue and engagement among the country’s diplomatic community.
