129 athletes to receive monthly allowance, sports cards

A total of 129 national athletes are set to be brought under a monthly allowance programme, with financial support to be officially handed over during a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office in the capital on Monday.

Alongside the allowance, all selected athletes -- who achieved success in international competitions in 2025 -- will be awarded honorary ‘Sports Cards’ at the same event, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque said on Saturday during a press conference at the NSC conference room.

The group of 129 athletes represents a diverse range of disciplines, including archery (four), boxing (three), yoga (three), gymnastics (four), carom (four), swimming (six), weightlifting (one), wushu (one), para-athletics (two), para swimming (one), wheelchair basketball (four), athletics (10), karate (10), sepak takraw (26), futsal (14), bridge (eight), table tennis (two), kabaddi (15), volleyball (14) and badminton (seven).

Aminul said the initiative aims to provide financial security for athletes and encourage families to support sports as a viable profession.

“When sports become a profession, families gain security. With this vision, we are bringing national-level athletes under an allowance programme,” he said. 
“Athletes who have brought success for Bangladesh in the international arena over the past year will also be honoured.”

He added that the programme marks only the first phase, with plans to expand the number of beneficiaries.

“In the initial phase, 129 athletes will be included. Within a week, many more athletes from different disciplines will be added. Initially, around 500 athletes will come under this scheme,” he said, noting that cricketers are largely excluded due to their comparatively stronger financial standing.

According to the state minister, the athletes will receive a uniform monthly allowance, although the exact amount will be announced at the function on Monday. 

He also added their performance and status will be reviewed every four months.
“It will be a satisfactory figure that will motivate athletes to perform better, while also encouraging families to support their children in sports,” he said.
Addressing concerns about the selection process, Aminul said athletes were chosen through a rigorous and unbiased evaluation system.

“For us, all sports are equal and equally important. We are ensuring equal respect for athletes across all disciplines, and everyone under this programme will receive the same allowance,” he added.

He also highlighted the inclusion of para-athletes, noting their recent international successes.

“We have achieved significant success in the Para Games, and they are being given the highest importance. They are also part of this allowance programme,” he said.

The state minister further revealed plans for a new grassroots initiative titled ‘Notun Kuri Sports’, expected to be launched by the end of April. The programme will initially target children aged 12 to 14 across all 64 districts, before expanding to rural areas in the next fiscal year.

“This initiative will help identify and support talented individuals financially,” he said.

Aminul also pointed to ongoing efforts to improve sports infrastructure, including regional BKSP facilities and playing availability, while increasing financial support for sports federations through collaboration with government and corporate stakeholders.