The divisional round of the National University Inter-College Sports Competition 2026 has begun in a festive atmosphere as part of the government’s “Learning with Happiness” programme.
National University Vice-Chancellor ASM Amanullah inaugurated the Dhaka divisional round on Sunday morning at the Government Physical Education College ground in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, reads a press release.
A total of 1,472 athletes and players from different colleges across 13 districts of Dhaka division are taking part in the three-day competition. The best players from the districts are competing in various sporting events.
The Dhaka divisional round will conclude on 8 September with a closing ceremony and prize distribution. Winners of the divisional competition will take part in the national-level competition.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest, the VC said, “National University wants to create opportunities for students to grow up in a joyful and humane environment not only through classroom education but also through sports and cultural activities.”
He said sports and co-curricular activities of students at affiliated colleges have therefore been given the highest priority.
Amanullah said that if it was possible to create a wave of sporting activities among nearly 4 million students, it would have a positive impact on educational institutions across the country.
He said there was no alternative to students taking part in sports and cultural activities alongside their studies as part of the “Learning with Happiness” programme.
Highlighting the importance of sports in students’ lives, Amanullah said, “Many of us have lost our childhood. Now we are trying to bring back that childhood and restore the joy of adolescence and youth. In line with the government’s expectations and interest, we want to revive sports and cultural activities among boys and girls across the country.”
He said the sports competition, which began with Dhaka division, would gradually be held in the country’s other seven divisions.
National University would continue such initiatives in the future to keep young people healthy, productive and free from drugs, he added.
Speaking as the chair of the programme, National University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Md Lutfor Rahman said that students must be involved in sports and other co-curricular activities alongside academic education to develop into well-rounded individuals.
He said such activities played an undeniable role in helping students become humane individuals, rather than merely earning certificates.
Lutfor said many of the students from different colleges in Dhaka division who took part in the competition would go on to lead Bangladesh in various ways in the future.
National University Registrar Molla Mahfuz Al-Hossain, Director of the Physical Education and Culture Department Mohammad Shafiul Karim, Principal of Mohammadpur Physical Education College Md Muminul Hasan, directors and officials of various National University departments, as well as teachers and students from different colleges, were present at the inaugural ceremony.
