A three-day divisional round of National University’s Inter-College Sports Competition 2026 began in Dhaka today, bringing together 1,472 athletes and players from colleges across the division’s 13 districts.

National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ASM Amanullah inaugurated the competition at the Government Physical Education College ground in Mohammadpur today (6 September).

The event is being held as part of the government’s “Learning with Happiness” programme.

Participants are competing in different sporting events, with the best performers from the districts taking part.

The Dhaka divisional round will conclude with a closing and prize-giving ceremony on 8 September. Its winners will advance to the national competition.

Speaking as chief guest, Amanullah said the university wanted to provide students with opportunities to grow in an enjoyable and humane environment through sports and cultural activities alongside classroom education.

He said National University had prioritised sports and other extracurricular activities for students at its affiliated colleges.

“Creating widespread enthusiasm for sports among our nearly four million students could positively influence educational institutions across the country,” Amanullah said.

He added that participation in sports and cultural activities was essential to the “Learning with Happiness” programme.

The vice-chancellor said the university wanted to revive sports and cultural activities among young people nationwide, helping them rediscover the enjoyment of childhood and youth.

Beginning with Dhaka, the divisional competition will gradually be held in the country’s seven other divisions, he said.

Amanullah added that National University would continue such initiatives to help young people remain healthy, active and free from drugs.

Presiding over the opening ceremony, National University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Lutfar Rahman said academic education should be complemented by sports and other extracurricular activities to help students develop as well-rounded individuals.

Such activities contributed to developing humane individuals, rather than merely helping students obtain certificates, he said.

Lutfar expressed hope that many of the participants would eventually take on leadership roles in Bangladesh.

National University Registrar Molla Mahfuz Al-Hossain, Physical Education and Cultural Affairs Department Director Mohammad Shafiul Karim and Government Physical Education College Principal Md Muminul Hasan attended the ceremony.

Directors and officials from different university departments, alongside teachers and students from participating colleges, were also present.