Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday called on athletes not to join any political party, urging them instead to represent Bangladesh through their sporting excellence. He made the remarks at the inauguration of the sports card and allowance distribution program held at Shapla Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon. During the event, Rahman launched the initiative by transferring one lakh taka to each athlete’s mobile account through Sonali Bank’s online system and distributed sports cards to 129 athletes.

Rahman said the government has begun implementing a structured salary framework for athletes to help them pursue sports as a profession without financial insecurity. He emphasized that sports are now recognized globally as a profession and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to professionalize sports in Bangladesh, as promised in the party’s election manifesto. The prime minister also announced that a “Farmers Card” program will begin on April 14 and that physically challenged athletes will be included in the sports card scheme.

He further revealed plans to make sports compulsory from grade four and to relaunch “Natun Kuri Sports” nationwide from April 30 to discover young sporting talent.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated a new pay structure and sports card program for national athletes at an event held at the Shapla Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday. The initiative aims to transform sports from a hobby into a recognized profession. During the ceremony, 129 athletes who achieved international success received a total of Tk 24.4 million in special honors and cash awards. The Prime Minister announced that from April 30, a nationwide talent hunt titled “Nobo Kuri Sports” will begin, and from 2027, sports will become mandatory in the national curriculum from grade four.

The Youth and Sports State Minister highlighted that the sports card will ensure athletes’ social and financial security. Recruitment of sports officers and teachers at the upazila level is progressing rapidly, and seven regional BKSP branches are being upgraded to full centers to decentralize training. The government also introduced monthly stipends of Tk 100,000 for athletes, including those with special needs, promoting inclusivity in sports.

The Prime Minister expressed optimism that with modern training, financial support, and a growing sports industry, Bangladesh will soon achieve new global milestones in major international competitions.

South African athlete Caster Semenya, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 800 meters, has criticized the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) new decision to reintroduce gender verification tests for female athletes. The policy, approved under new IOC president Kirsty Coventry, will take effect from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Semenya described the decision as disrespectful, saying it is particularly painful for African women who are disproportionately affected.

The IOC’s move marks a return to a controversial practice last used between 1968 and 1996, when female athletes were required to undergo chromosome testing to confirm their gender. The organization had previously abandoned the policy following widespread criticism and pressure from various groups.

Semenya, who has faced challenges due to naturally high testosterone levels, said women should not have to prove their eligibility to compete. Her comments highlight ongoing tensions between sports authorities and athletes over gender verification and fairness in women’s sports.

Lahore Qalandars, featuring Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, lost to Karachi Kings by four wickets in a low-scoring match. The game took place on March 30, 2026, where Karachi chased down Lahore’s 128 for 9 to finish at 131 for 6. Mustafizur bowled four overs, conceding only 20 runs and taking one wicket. Batting at number four, Bangladesh’s Parvez Hossain Emon scored 12 runs off 12 balls.

Mustafizur began his spell in the eighth over, giving away just one run and dismissing Saad Baig through a catch by the wicketkeeper. He returned in the 11th over, conceding five runs, and again in the 17th over, giving another five. His most expensive over came in the 19th, where he allowed nine runs. Abdullah Shafique top-scored for Lahore with 33 runs off 24 balls.

The result marked a narrow defeat for Lahore Qalandars despite disciplined bowling from Mustafizur, as Karachi Kings managed to chase the target with four wickets in hand.

Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque has renewed allegations of irregularities and corruption within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) during a parliamentary session on March 29, 2026. He stated that a probe committee has already been formed to investigate alleged misconduct in the BCB election process. Haque claimed that in previous years, BCB funds and manpower were misused to benefit a specific group and to manipulate voting rights.

The minister further alleged that several influential BCB officials had seen an unusual increase in their personal wealth. He urged the Anti-Corruption Commission to share any existing information or investigations related to these officials, promising to make such records public. Haque also criticized the previous government, accusing it of politicizing and damaging the entire sports sector, including the cricket board, since 2008.

He emphasized that his ministry’s main goal is to restore integrity in sports through a reform and purification campaign aimed at eliminating corruption and returning the sector to a fair and transparent path.

Mexico City witnessed the grand reopening of the historic Azteca Stadium, now renamed Banorte Stadium, on March 30, 2026. The venue, set to host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drew massive crowds for a friendly between Mexico and Portugal. Despite the festive atmosphere, the event was marred by tragedy when a spectator fell from the stands and died before kickoff. The match ended in a goalless draw, marking the stadium’s return to action after two years of renovation.

Outside the stadium, protests erupted across the city. Demonstrators occupied a major highway near the venue, turning it into a temporary football field. They criticized authorities for spending billions on World Cup preparations while neglecting housing, water, transport, and electricity shortages in the Coyoacán area. The Azteca, one of football’s most iconic arenas, has hosted historic matches including the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals.

The reopening highlighted both Mexico’s football passion and public frustration over infrastructure priorities ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Bangladesh has fallen one place to 181st in the latest FIFA rankings released on March 28, 2026. The drop follows a 3–0 defeat to Vietnam in a friendly match held in Vietnam. In contrast, Vietnam improved by five positions to reach 103rd after the victory. The updated rankings also saw several changes among the top ten teams.

World champions Argentina slipped one spot to third despite a 2–1 win over Mauritania, while France climbed to second after defeating Brazil 2–1. Brazil, five-time world champions, dropped from fifth to seventh. Spain maintained the top position after winning four of their last five matches. England remained fourth, Portugal moved up from sixth to fifth, and the Netherlands advanced to sixth following a 2–1 win over Norway. Morocco, Belgium, Germany, and Croatia held their previous positions from eighth to eleventh, while Italy rose one place to twelfth.

The new rankings reflect the impact of recent international friendlies and highlight shifting momentum among leading football nations.

The Bangladesh U-20 women’s football team defeated Jordan 2-0 in their second preparatory match in Thailand ahead of the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup, scheduled from April 1 to 18, 2026. This marks Bangladesh’s first appearance in the tournament. Earlier, the team drew 1-1 with India in their opening warm-up match. The Bangladesh Football Federation confirmed the result of the closed-door match, where Mamuni Chakma and Suravi Akand Preeti scored. Federation president Tabith Awal is currently in Thailand to motivate the players.

Bangladesh has been placed in Group A alongside hosts Thailand, China, and Vietnam. The team will open their campaign against Thailand on the tournament’s opening day, followed by matches against China on April 4 and Vietnam on April 7.

The top four teams from the Asian Cup will qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, meaning a semifinal berth would secure Bangladesh a place in the global event.

Bangladesh Under-20 football team advanced to the semifinals of the SAFF U-20 Championship after a 1-1 draw against India on March 28, 2026. The match saw India take the lead through Vishal Yadav in the 17th minute, but Bangladesh equalized before halftime when Mohammad Abdul Riad scored from a corner delivered by US-based player Ronan Sullivan. The result secured Bangladesh’s place in the semifinals as group runners-up with four points from two matches.

India topped the group on goal difference, while Bangladesh finished second. As a result, Bangladesh will face Nepal in the semifinals, and India will play against Bhutan. The match was competitive, with both teams creating chances in the second half but failing to score again.

Sullivan, who had also played a key role in Bangladesh’s earlier win over Pakistan, once again contributed decisively. The upcoming semifinal against Nepal presents a new challenge for Bangladesh’s young players as they aim to continue their strong performance in the tournament.

The government of Bangladesh will honor 129 national athletes on March 30 as part of a new initiative to provide sports allowances and recognition under a structured salary system. The awards will be presented by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, according to State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque at a press conference organized by the National Sports Council on March 28. The program is being implemented under the slogan “If sports become a profession, families will gain confidence.”

The initiative marks the first step in fulfilling the government’s election pledge to develop sports nationwide. While 129 athletes have been selected for the initial phase, the ministry plans to include 500 national athletes under the salary structure starting April 1. The selected athletes represent a wide range of disciplines, including archery, futsal, boxing, swimming, weightlifting, athletics, and more. Performance evaluations will occur every four months, and underperforming athletes may be removed from the list.

The state minister also announced plans to appoint sports officers in every upazila to promote grassroots sports and to launch the “New Buds Sports” program for children aged 12 to 14 by the end of April.

World champions Argentina secured a 2-1 victory over Mauritania in a friendly match held at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires. The hosts took a two-goal lead in the first half through Enzo Fernández and 21-year-old midfielder Nico Paz. Mauritania pulled one back in stoppage time when defender Jordan Lefort scored from close range after Argentina failed to clear a free-kick.

Captain Lionel Messi entered the field at the start of the second half but did not score, despite several promising moments. Argentina dominated possession with 64 percent and had seven shots, four on target, while Mauritania managed eleven shots, also with four on target, showing competitive balance in the match.

The result provided both encouragement and caution for coach Lionel Scaloni’s side as they prepare for their final home warm-up match against Zambia before the upcoming World Cup.

Bangladesh has returned to success in international kabaddi after years without medals. The men’s team had not won since 2006 and the women’s team since 2014, but both achieved notable results in 2025. Under the current federation committee, Bangladesh participated in six international tournaments that year and succeeded in five of them, marking a strong comeback on the global stage.

The 2025 achievements include a 4–1 test series victory over Nepal, bronze medals in the Women’s Asian Kabaddi Championship, the boys’ and girls’ divisions of the Youth Asian Games, and the Women’s World Cup. Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation General Secretary S M Nawaz Sohag described these results as the beginning of a revival and announced plans to build a Kabaddi Institute at the Gopalganj Women’s Sports Complex. He emphasized the need for both government and private support to sustain progress.

Officials believe that with proper planning and assistance, Bangladesh can reestablish itself as a major force in world kabaddi, signaling a new era for the sport in the country.

Iran’s Ministry of Sports has announced that no national or club teams will be sent to countries it considers hostile. The decision, reported by Iranian state television on March 27, 2026, comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The ministry stated that the restriction applies to all sports teams and will remain in effect until further notice. It cited concerns over the safety of Iranian athletes and teams in those countries.

Although the announcement did not specifically mention the World Cup, the move has raised uncertainty about Iran’s participation in upcoming international competitions. The ban could also affect club football, including Tractor Sazi FC’s scheduled Asian Champions League Elite match in Dubai, Saudi Arabia. Relevant federations and clubs have been instructed to contact the Asian Football Confederation to discuss possible rescheduling.

The decision underscores how regional political tensions are beginning to influence sports engagements and may complicate Iran’s international sporting commitments if the restrictions persist.

Italy kept their World Cup dream alive by defeating Northern Ireland 2–0 in the European playoff semifinal at Stadio di Bergamo. Goals from Sandro Tonali in the 56th minute and Moise Kean in the 74th minute secured the win for the four-time world champions. With this result, Italy advanced to the playoff final, where they will face Bosnia and Herzegovina, who beat Wales 4–2 in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw.

In another crucial playoff match, Sweden overcame Ukraine 3–1 thanks to a hat-trick from Viktor Gyökeres. The striker scored in the 6th, 51st, and 73rd minutes, including a penalty, while Ukraine’s Matvii Pomarnyko netted a late consolation goal. Sweden will now face Poland, who defeated Albania 2–1, in the playoff final on April 1 in Stockholm.

Elsewhere, Kosovo edged Slovakia 4–3 to reach the final against Turkey, while Denmark crushed North Macedonia 4–0 to set up a final clash with either the Czech Republic or the Republic of Ireland.

Bangladesh claimed the gold medal in the compound men's team event at the Asian Archery Tournament held in Bangkok, Thailand. The team, consisting of archers Himu Bachar, Rakib Newaz, and Aishwarya, defeated Vietnam in the final match. Bangladesh scored 231 points, while Vietnam managed 225, securing victory by a six-point margin.

Although Bangladesh had high expectations in this tournament, the team failed to reach the semifinals in individual and mixed events. The compound men's team event ultimately brought success for the country. In the previous edition, archer Abdur Rahman Alif had won gold in the recurve men's individual category.

The Bangladesh Archery Federation and Asian Archery Federation President Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapol announced financial rewards for the medal-winning team following their victory.