The National University (NU) has launched the first-ever Inter-University Carrom Tournament 2025-2026 at its campus on Friday.
The three-day competition is being organised with the overall cooperation of the Bangladesh Inter-University Sports Association, featuring participants from 18 universities across the country. Each university has fielded a team of eight players, comprising four men and four women.
According to the press release National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ASM Amanullah inaugurated the tournament by hoisting the national flag and releasing balloons and pigeons. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by NU Pro Vice-Chancellor and Inter-University Carrom Tournament Steering Committee President Professor Md Lutfor Rahaman.
The event was moderated by Mohammad Shafiul Karim, Director of the Department of Physical Education and Culture and Member Secretary of the tournament committee.
In his inaugural address, VC Professor Amanullah observed that Bangladesh’s global standing in sports remains weak due to a lack of necessary investment. He noted, however, that despite various limitations, the country’s men have made significant strides in cricket and women in football, bringing international prestige to the nation.
The VC emphasised that sports competitions are essential for developing good citizens and building a society free from drugs and terrorism. He said the current government is prioritising sports and culture as outlined in its election manifesto.
As part of the government’s “Learning with Happiness” programme, National University is placing a high priority on sports, including the hosting of this carrom tournament. He further committed to future investments in sports and cultural sectors.
Professor Amanullah also highlighted initiatives to engage students of NU-affiliated colleges in sports and cultural activities to improve their academic focus and mental well-being. He announced that champions and runners-up of various sporting events would receive support for training both at home and abroad.
He specifically mentioned the need to involve more female students, who constitute a large portion of the student body, in sports and cultural activities. The participating institutions, alongside National University, include the University of Dhaka, University of Rajshahi, Jagannath University, Comilla University, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Pabna University of Science and Technology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Rangamati Science and Technology University, University of Frontier Technology, Islamic Arabic University, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Sylhet Agricultural University, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology, Habiganj Agricultural University, Pirojpur University of Science and Technology, and Khulna University of Engineering and Technology.
The tournament is scheduled to conclude on Sunday. The ceremony was attended by university representatives, deans of various faculties, teachers, heads of departments, and staff members.
