The 8th National Surfing Competition has begun in a festive atmosphere at the Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach. State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque formally inaugurated the event on Friday morning at Laboni Point.
Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md A Mannan chaired the event. Among the special guests were Member of Parliament for Cox’s Bazar-3 constituency Lutfur Rahman Kazal, president of the Bangladesh Surfing Association Major General (retd) AKM Mujahid Uddin, senior vice-president Khandakar Saiful Islam, sponsor representative and Qute proprietor Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapal, and general secretary of the association Moazzem Hossain.
Speaking at the event, Aminul Haque said the government is committed to advancing the country’s sports sector beyond cricket and football, with a growing focus on disciplines such as surfing. He urged organizers to consider hosting the tournament year-round.
He also mentioned that structured salary schemes have already been implemented for many athletes, and that financially weaker federations are receiving the necessary support. He also assured that surfers who deliver strong performances at the international level could potentially join such schemes in the future.
More than 100 surfers are participating in this year’s competition across three categories. The organizers hope the event will help further popularise surfing in Bangladesh and strengthen the country’s presence on the international stage.
The program concluded with the foundation stone laying ceremony for a building of the Bangladesh Surfing Association.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
