Dhaka: President M Abdul Hamid on Friday urged athletes, organisers and all concerned to come forward to utilise the indomitable stamina, courage and potentials of youngsters to attain success in global sports.

‘Utilise the potentials of youngsters to attain success in sports,’ he said while delivering speech at the opening ceremony of ‘The 17th All Asia Open Full Contact Karate Championship 2018’ at Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium at Mirpur, reports the BSS.

Stressing on implementation of a coordinated plan and its proper execution to achieve desired success in sports, the President said the government alongside the sports fans would have to play a significant role in availing the potentialities in country’s sports.

The head of the state said sports is a very conducive element for society-development, nation-building and flourishing world civilization.

He said, ‘In the era of globalisation, we have to flourish in the field of sports, side by side, development in education, culture, industry and economy.’

Referring to recent successes of the women footballers and youth soccer team which brought glory and pride for the country through their outstanding performance, Abdul Hamid said, ‘We have to set more new and bright examples in the field of sports in days to come.’

Noting that Karate is the game which teaches the athletes discipline, patience, tolerance and showing respect to opponents, President Hamid said this competition would surely uphold the motto of Kyokushin Karate for building world peace and fraternity.

He appreciated all the 12 million members of Kyokushin Karate and other concerned who are contributing to their respective society as well as establishing world peace with the spirit of Kyokushin Karate, ‘Keep your head low (modesty), eyes high (ambition), mouth shut (sincerity); base yourself on filial piety and benefit others.’

At the very outset of his speech, the President paid profound respect to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who showed the dream of a ‘Developed Sonar Bangla’, reconstituted a war-ravaged economy and contributed a lot to the development of country’ sports.

International Karate Organisation (IKO) Kyokushin organised the programme with IKO Bangladesh chapter’s chief patron and former foreign minister Dr

Dipu Moni, MP, in the chair.

State minister for youth and sports Dr Shree Riren Shikder, MP, International director of IKO Katsuhito Gorai, Bangladesh chapter general secretary of IKO Monir Ahmed Bhuiyan, secretaries concerned to the

Bangabhaban, among others, were present.

President Hamid also enjoyed a cultural function including dance of tribal community and some events of the Karate including stone-breaking.