Published: 11:51 PM, 24 October 2026
40th National Badminton Championship begins
The six-day '40th National Badminton Championship 2026' commenced on Saturday at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium in the capital.
The tournament, which will run until October 28, was officially inaugurated by the State Minister for Sports, Aminul Haque.
This year's edition has drawn a record number of 616 shuttlers-comprising 535 men and 81 women-representing 88 teams from across the country, including districts, divisions, education boards, universities, and various organizations. The competition features a total prize pool of 1 million (10 lakh) BDT, with an electric bike offered as a special prize for the best player.
In his address as the chief guest at the opening ceremony, State Minister for Sports Aminul Haque discussed the development of the national sports landscape-with a specific focus on badminton-and outlined future strategic plans. He remarked that the high level of participation in this National Badminton Championship marks a positive milestone in the country's history, attributing this success entirely to the players themselves. He extended his sincere gratitude to the participating athletes, media personnel, parents, and everyone who traveled from afar to support their children.
The State Minister stated that the current government's primary objective is to expand sports-including badminton-beyond Dhaka-centric activities or seasonal events, ensuring they reach every corner of the country, including local neighborhoods and communities.
To this end, the Badminton Federation plans to establish dedicated committees in every district to organize regular tournaments. On November 5, a nationwide initiative titled 'Notun Kuri Sports' (New Buds Sports)-which includes badminton-will be launched, starting from the Khulna District Stadium. Furthermore, beginning in January, year-round training programs will be initiated across various selected disciplines, including badminton, football, hockey, archery, and shooting.
Regarding the elevation of the sport to an international standard, the State Minister stated that efforts are underway to bring badminton up to an international level within the next five years. This includes hosting at least three international tournaments on home soil, inviting teams from abroad, and having our own players participate in competitions overseas-initiatives that will significantly boost the players' self-assurance and confidence levels. Addressing the organizers and players, the State Minister remarked that winning and losing are inherent to sports; therefore, one should not become disheartened or withdraw from the sport after a defeat. Instead, players should remain committed to achieving victory, driven by a sense of patriotism.
Doulatuzzaman Khan, Executive Director of the National Sports Council, attended the event as a special guest. Other notable attendees included Kazi Hasibur Rahman, General Secretary of the Badminton Federation, among others.
