National University has won the women’s football title at the Inter-University Sports Competition 2026, defeating Jashore University of Science and Technology 1–0 in the final.

Trophies were presented at the closing ceremony of the four-day competition at the Senate Hall of National University’s main campus in Gazipur yesterday (17 October), according to the press release.

Seven university teams competed in the women’s football event. Jashore University of Science and Technology finished runners-up, while the University of Chittagong secured third place.

National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ASM Amanullah attended the ceremony as chief guest and presented the trophy to the winning team’s players, coach, manager and others involved. Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Ali Jinnah chaired the event.

In chess, the University of Dhaka defeated Jahangirnagar University to claim the title. Jahangirnagar University finished runners-up, while Khulna University placed third. Students from 27 universities participated in the chess event.

Guests presented trophies to the winners of both competitions.

The competition began at National University on 14 October. Organisers reported the participation of 108 students from 27 universities. Arbiters from the Bangladesh Chess Federation officiated at the chess competition.

National University’s Taslima Akter was named the best goalkeeper in women’s football. Sadia of Jashore University of Science and Technology received the highest scorer’s award, while Lima of the University of Dhaka was named the best player.

Speaking at the ceremony, Amanullah said National University wanted to increase investment in sports.

He said the environment in which students once learnt with enjoyment had largely been lost. Sports needed to be revitalised and promoted across the country to restore an atmosphere of “learning with happiness”, he added.

Amanullah outlined plans to establish sports science departments in all eight divisions, describing modern departments of international standard as a goal for the university.

Drawing a distinction between sports science education at leading overseas universities and Bangladesh’s Bachelor of Physical Education programmes, he said sports science at the University of Sydney was different from the country’s existing physical education courses.

A comprehensive sports complex meeting Olympic standards was needed to ensure sports education of international quality, he said.

The vice-chancellor also expressed interest in organising chess and archery competitions, alongside mathematics and English Olympiads.

He stressed the need to engage young people in national development and help them realise their potential. Women must have opportunities to develop their abilities and talents in every field, he said, expressing his commitment to building a better Bangladesh through collective participation.

Congratulating players from all teams, Amanullah said winning and losing were part of sport, while participation mattered most.

He expressed hope that organisers would identify shortcomings in this year’s event and arrange future competitions more effectively and systematically.

In his remarks, Jinnah said participation in sports played an important role in students’ psychological development and was particularly relevant today.

Sport had developed beyond recreation and entertainment into a profession, he said. Describing students as a source of hope for the country’s future, he said young people would lead the efforts to build a better Bangladesh.

National University Director of Physical Education and Cultural Affairs Mohammad Shafiul Karim moderated the ceremony.

Acting College Inspector Nazim Uddin Ahmed, Controller of Examinations Md Enamul Karim and Athletics Federation Joint General Secretary Md Mahbubul Alam also spoke.

The university’s registrar, faculty deans, departmental directors, teachers, students, officers and staff attended.