The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the second Diplomatic Indoor Games 2026, bringing diplomats, government officials and representatives of international organisations together through badminton and table tennis.

Held at International School Dhaka (ISD) on 28–29 August, the two-day tournament opened the Sports Diplomacy Initiative 2026, according to a press release.

Participants represented embassies and missions from Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Nepal, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.

Representatives from the United Nations, World Health Organization, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, United Nations Development Programme, International Organization for Migration, International Finance Corporation and ISD also participated.

Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman attended the opening ceremony as chief guest.

“Sport has always been a language of trust and understanding among people,” he said.

“The games offered a relaxed environment for our international partners and host institutions to hold open conversations and build relationships outside their usual diplomatic settings,” he added.

ISD Director Mike Miller said the school was privileged to welcome the diplomatic community to its campus.

“The spirit of global dignitaries and institutions coming together through good sportsmanship reflects what we strive for through the International Baccalaureate curriculum – a genuine celebration of diversity and international-mindedness,” he said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Dr Nazrul Islam presented crests to the winners at the closing ceremony.

ALAP Executive Editor Aharar Hossain, Modhumoti Group Managing Director Moshiur Rahman, EBL Head of Brand, Marketing and Communications Ziaul Karim, Purbani Lifestyle Limited Head of Business Development Shajalal Sumon, and Chamber One Advocate Maria Tanjimath attended the ceremony.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognising the winners and runners-up in all categories.

International Organization for Migration representatives Sohail Borua and Md Morshedul Alam Munna won the men’s badminton doubles, while ISD’s Manas and Vaisak finished runners-up.

Foreign ministry representatives Jayson and Sayeda Tasmin Sultana won the mixed doubles, with Indonesia’s Sapto Sudianto and Nur finishing second.

World Health Organization representatives Md Ruhul Quddus and Md Mohosin Azad won the table tennis doubles. Their colleagues Newton Rony Das and Md Suja Uddin Bhuiyan were runners-up.

World Food Programme representative Ayan Dewan won the table tennis singles, while Md Ruhul Quddus of the World Health Organization finished runners-up.