A new nationwide program titled 'Notun Kuri Sports' will begin on Saturday under the supervision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and implementation by the Directorate of Sports. The initiative aims to identify and nurture sports talent among children aged 12 to 14 from grassroots levels. The opening ceremony will take place at Sylhet District Stadium, where Prime Minister Tareq Rahman will inaugurate the event and connect virtually with participants across the country.

According to organizers, the program follows the legacy of the 1980s talent search 'Notun Kuri' and includes eight sports: cricket, football, kabaddi, athletics, chess, badminton, swimming, and martial arts. A total of 160,779 participants registered online between April 12 and 17, with the highest numbers from Sylhet, followed by Chattogram and Dhaka. Regional and divisional competitions will be held from May 13 to 22 across ten designated regions.

Selected players will receive allowances, jerseys, and certificates, while national-level athletes will get residential training and opportunities at BKSP. The ministry has assured strict monitoring for transparency and safety, viewing the program as a milestone for Bangladesh’s sports development.