The 20-day short pitch cricket tournament was inaugurated at Dr Enayet Karim School and College playground in Wazirpur upazila of Barishal district on Saturday.
President of the Global Development Bank and Asian chapter president of United Nations World Council for Indigenous Games (UN-WCIG) Dr. Enayet Karim inaugurated the tournament as Chief Guest, with guests attending. He is the founder of the institute.
Aimed at curbing drugs in society, particularly among the youths, a total of 22 teams from the district are participating in the tournament.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Dr. Enayet Karim said that sports, through various mechanisms and structured programs, act on as an effective tool to prevent youths from drug abuse. Participating sports helps build resilience, improve mental health, and provide a positive environment that discourages substance use.
“Team sports foster social connections and communication skills, providing a supportive network and access to positive role models, such as coaches and senior athletes, who can guide young people toward healthy lifestyles,” he added.
Local political leaders, teachers and students from different schools and colleges, cricket players and sports lovers among others were present at the programme.
The day-night matches of the tournament will continue from December 10 and the final match is scheduled to be held on December 30. National Cricket players are expected to present the final match and hand over trophy and prize money between the winner and runners up teams, said the organising committee chairman Abdul Halim Khabir Mridha.
