DHAKA, Aug 4, 2024 (BSS) - Ten sports personalities and two organizations will receive the prestigious Sheikh Kamal National Sports Council (NSC) Award 2024 for their outstanding contribution in their respective field.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to distribute the awards among them tomorrow (Monday) at 10.30 am at Shapla Hall of the Prime Minister's Office on the occasion of the 75th birth anniversary of Shaheed Captain late Sheikh Kamal, the eldest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Youth and Sports Secretary Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed disclosed the names of the nominated persons and organisations at a press conference held in the conference room of the Youth and Sports Ministry today (Sunday).

The Youth and Sports Secretary said each winner would be given Taka one lakh, crest and certificate.
 
Valiant freedom fighter Tanvir Mazhar Islam will be honoured with the lifetime achievement award.

Besides, shooter Shakil Ahmed, weightlifter Firoza Parvin and swimmer Mahfizur Rahman Rahman will get the sportsman category awards.

Valiant freedom fighters Mohammad Atiqul Habib and Md. Mahi Uddin Ahmed will get the sports organiser award while athlete Jahir Raihan and cricketer Towhid Hridoy will receive the award as emerging athlete.

Veteran journalist Khandakar Monjurul Islam will get the sports journalist award while Kalyan Kumar Saha will receive the award as sports commentator.

Bangladesh Table Tennis Federation will receive the sports federation award while Hamid Group will get the Sheikh Kamal Award as sports sponsor.

The ministry's secretary said Bangabandhu's eldest son, valiant freedom fighter Shaheed Captain Sheikh Kamal's contribution to the sports and cultural movement of Bangladesh is undeniable. He tried to introduce modern and international sports in Bangladesh after coming out of traditional sports development ideas prevalent in post-independence Bangladesh.

He also established the popular football club Abahani Krira Chakra with extraordinary organizing skills.

Sheikh Kamal was the pioneer of modern football in this country with his personal wisdom and his own sports ideas. Sporting, culture-loving, valiant freedom fighter Sheikh Kamal participated in the front battle of the great War of Liberation.

So we have decided to award the 'Sheikh Kamal National Sports Council Award' in various fields of sports to commemorate the contribution of this glorious young shaheed captain Sheikh Kamal and as a sign of deep respect for him, the sports youth and secretary added.