Dhaka, October 23, 2021 (BSS)-The Bangabandhu 5th Central South Asian
Artistic Gymnastics Championship 2021, organised by the Bangladesh Gymnastics
Federation is set to kick off on October 28 to mark birth centenary of the
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

   The four-day long international tournament which will run from October 28-
31, involves six countries including hosts Bangladesh.

   The logo of the tournament was unveiled today kick start the extravaganza
formally.

   Zahid Ahsan Russell, MP, the State Minister for Youth and Sports unveiled
the logo of the tournament as the chief guest at Dhaka Club. Presided by the
president of the federation Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Mamun, general secretary Md
Ahmedur Rahman Bablu gave welcome speech in the programme.

   Speaking on the occasion, the State Minister for Youth and Sports said,
"It is undoubtedly a news to savour that an international event is being
organized in our country after being stranded for a long time due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. This year's event has been named after Father of the
Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Bangladesh Gymnastics
Federation has made a good effort to pay true homage to Bangabandhu by
organising such a meet in his name on his birth centenary." "I believe that
athletes from different countries will impress the spectators by showcasing
their unique sports style in this event."

   The successful organisation of this event will add a new dimension to the
celebration of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence also, he
opined.

   "Besides, I believe that the guests coming on the occasion of this event
will also be able to enjoy the traditional hospitality of Bangladesh," he
said,

  Elaborating on the tournament, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Mamun said, "We
organised the 4th Sultana Kamal Central South Asian Artistic Gymnastics
Championship in 2011 10 years ago. This time we are organising Bangabandhu
5th Central South Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championship."

  He informed besides Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Uzbekistan and
Pakistan are also participating in this year's event. A total of 170 people,
including 67 gymnasts, coaches, judges and officials from six countries are
participating in this year's event.

   A total of 22 events will be held in three categories (male senior and
junior and female). 12 gymnasts from Bangladesh will take part in the three
events.

   Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen MP will be the chief guest at the
inaugural function at Mirpur Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium on October 27
at 4 pm.

   Margarita Mamun, a Russian gymnast of Bangladeshi descent who won a gold
medal at the Rio Olympics, will be present at the opening ceremony as a
goodwill ambassador for the tournament.