Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on students to pursue excellence not only in sports but also in education, music, and cultural activities to build a stronger nation. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at the final match and prize-giving ceremony of the Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament held at the Bangladesh Army Stadium.

Addressing young students, the Prime Minister emphasized that playing alone is not enough and urged them to advance in studies and creative work. He announced plans to organize the Gold Cup tournament at the secondary level this year and to introduce a Prime Minister’s Cup next year. This year, 2.2 million boys and girls participated in the football tournament organized nationwide by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education.

In the finals, Jorgacha United Government Primary School from Sathia, Pabna, won the girls’ division by defeating Achargaon Government Primary School of Nandail, Mymensingh, 4–2, while Dariar Mia Government Primary School from Bakerganj, Barishal, won the boys’ division by beating Darirampur Model Government Primary School of Trishal, 1–0.