National athletics meet still without sponsors

A year and a half after the formation of the ad hoc committee, the Bangladesh Athletics Federation (BAF) continues to organise national competitions without corporate sponsorship.

After staging two National Senior Championships, one National Junior Championship and a Summer Athletics Meet without private backing, the federation is set to host yet another national competition relying solely on institutional support.

BAF general secretary Shah Alam admitted the ongoing financial challenge during a press conference for the 41st National Athletics Championships at the National Stadium on Saturday.

“We have had to organise four meets without sponsors. Basically, we have managed them with support from World Athletics and the National Sports Council,” he said.

The latest edition begins today with 40 events scheduled across the men’s and women’s categories, including 22 men’s events and 18 women’s events.

The men’s and women’s 100-metre sprints, traditionally among the marquee attractions of the meet, will be held on the opening day, while the marathon race is scheduled on the 300 Feet Road in Purbachal.

With renovation work ongoing at the National Stadium, all throwing events will take place at the Army Stadium.

Organisers said gold, silver and bronze medallists will receive Tk 5,000, Tk 3,000 and Tk 2,000 respectively, while athletes setting new national records will earn an additional Tk 20,000 reward.