Youth and Sports State Minister Md. Aminul Haque on Sunday praised the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (Ansar-VDP) for its significant contribution to developing talented athletes and strengthening the country's sports sector.
He made the remarks while attending a reception and prize money distribution ceremony for outstanding Ansar-VDP athletes, along with the closing ceremony of the 9th National Baseball Tournament 2026, held at the Ansar and VDP Academy in Safipur, Gazipur.
The event was also attended by Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, Director General of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party, as the special guest.
Addressing the gathering, the state minister said that alongside maintaining security at the grassroots level, Ansar-VDP has played a vital role in producing skilled athletes who have brought glory to Bangladesh in national and international competitions. He added that recognising outstanding athletes would inspire the younger generation to take up sports and strive for excellence.
During the ceremony, 23 athletes who achieved success at national and international levels in disciplines including kabaddi, wushu, boxing, table tennis, karate, volleyball, badminton, and weightlifting received awards and prize money.
Later, the state minister attended the closing ceremony of the 9th National Baseball Tournament 2026, where he praised Ansar-VDP for its continued efforts to promote baseball in Bangladesh. He presented the championship trophy to the captain of the Bangladesh Police Baseball Team, which emerged as tournament champions.
Speaking at the event, Director General Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud described sports as an effective means of building a disciplined, value-based, and drug-free youth community. He said Ansar-VDP, in collaboration with BKSP, is working to identify grassroots talent and develop internationally competitive athletes.
Senior Ansar-VDP officials, sports organisers, coaches, athletes, and invited guests were also present at the program.
