Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) organised a Sports Festival at Milestone School and College today (25 January). The therapeutic and community-strengthening event was co-hosted by Milestone School and College, with the support of Japan’s MUFG Bank and Ekmattra Society, to help students heal emotionally and reconnect with school life after the traumatic experience of the tragic jet crash, which deeply shook students, teachers, and the entire nation.

National cricket icon Mushfiqur Rahim attended the event as the special guest. Held from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm, his presence generated excitement among students and teachers alike, offering a moment of inspiration at a time when the school community has been striving to recover.

Milestone School and College has been struggling to recover from the emotional shock of the tragic plane crash that profoundly impacted students, teachers, and families. In the months following the incident, around 100 students became irregular in attendance, and the school experienced a significant decline in students’ attachment to school life. While counselling support has been provided, JICA and its partners recognised the need for a shared and uplifting experience that could help children overcome trauma and replace painful memories with positive ones.

Photo: Courtesy

With this objective in mind, the Sports Festival aimed to restore resilience and joyful engagement among Milestone School students through a sports-based healing intervention. The programme featured different games and activities, including cricket, encouraging participation, teamwork, and fostering a sense of togetherness. The initiative further strengthened JICA’s partnership with Milestone School and College as a model for holistic child development in times of crisis.

The presence of Mushfiqur Rahim added special meaning to the occasion. A proud alumnus of the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), he represents an exemplary journey from grassroots sports to national achievement, offering students a source of hope and inspiration to rebuild their confidence. JICA has long worked closely with BKSP, dispatching nearly 30 Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers in the field of sports over the years. His appearance underscored JICA’s continued commitment to supporting sports development and youth empowerment in Bangladesh.

More than 1,300 students, including participants and spectators, took part in the festival. Beyond the games themselves, the event provided students with an opportunity to laugh together, support their peers, and reimagine their school as a safe and joyful space.