First South Asian Para Games in Bangladesh
Following the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, Bangladesh achieved a significant diplomatic milestone in regional sports administration. Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) President Majid Rashed met with officials from seven South Asian nations at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, expressing his intent to launch the inaugural South Asian Para Games. He named Bangladesh as his preferred host for this historic first edition, alongside selecting Dhaka to house the permanent secretariat for South Asian Para Sports.
The decision strategically positions Bangladesh as a neutral and unifying host for regional athletics, particularly given ongoing political tensions between key neighbouring nations. Highlighting this opportunity, the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Bangladesh Secretary General Dr. Maruf Ahmed Mridul stated, ‘Due to political hostilities, India is not playing in Pakistan, and Pakistan is not coming to India. Therefore, Mr. Majid preferred Bangladesh as a neutral venue for the Games.’
Detailed administrative discussions and bilateral agreements have further solidified the upcoming event’s timeline and overall development support. Providing a prospective schedule, Dr. Mridul added, ‘If everything goes according to plan, the first South Asian Para Games could be held in Dhaka next November or December. APC President Majid Rashed has expressed his desire to make that happen.’ Additionally, Bangladesh signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreements with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the Maldives for advanced athlete training.
In parallel with the multi-sport event plans, officials also reached a preliminary agreement to introduce the single-discipline Asian Para Swimming Championship. Bangladesh swimming coach Golam Mostafa confirmed that the initial decision to host this inaugural tournament was reached in Nagoya alongside representatives from 20 participating nations, including China, Iran, and South Korea. These combined breakthroughs mark a transformative chapter for Paralympic sports development in Bangladesh and across the wider region.
