Two new national records were set on the opening day of the 40th National Junior (Age-Group) Athletics Championship, as athletes from BKSP and Narail District Sports Association (DSA) produced outstanding performances.
Record-Breaking Performances
In the Under-18 boys' discus throw, Sayed Mushfiq Hossain of BKSP established a new national record with a throw of 39.58 meters, surpassing the previous mark of 38.22 meters set by Md Masum Ahmed of Pabna DSA in 2019. Another national record came in the Under-18 girls' 1,500 meters, where Khadija Khatun of Narail DSA clocked 5:12.70 seconds to eclipse the previous record of 5:15.03 seconds, set by Smriti Akter of Kishoreganj District Sports Association in 2024.
Other Notable Performances
In the Under-16 boys' 100 meters, Jahidul Islam of BKSP emerged as the fastest boy, clocking 11.03 seconds. His BKSP teammate Rafia Khatun won the Under-16 girls' 100 meters, becoming the fastest girl with a time of 13.06 seconds. In the Under-18 boys' 100 meters, Rifat Sheikh of BKSP was crowned the fastest boy after recording 11.03 seconds. Sabina Akter Ruby of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) claimed the Under-18 girls' 100 meters title, finishing in 12.40 seconds to become the fastest girl in her category.
Medal Standings
A total of fifteen events were completed on the opening day of the three-day championship. BKSP dominated the medal standings, collecting 18 medals—including 10 gold, five silver, and three bronze to top the table. Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) occupied second place with seven medals, comprising one gold, five silver, and one bronze. The Rajshahi District Sports Association was third with two medals—one gold and one bronze.
Ceremony and Significance
Earlier, Youth and Sports Secretary Mahbub-ul-Alam formally opened the meet as the chief guest, organized by the Bangladesh Athletics Federation (BAF). The opening ceremony was presided over by Major General (retd.) Dr. Md. Nayeem Ashfaq Chowdhury, president of BAF. The championship is significant as it provides a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent and compete at a national level, fostering the development of athletics in Bangladesh.
What's Next
The championship will continue over the next two days with more events and competitions. Athletes will have the opportunity to break more records and secure their places in the medal standings. The performances of these young athletes are crucial as they represent the future of athletics in Bangladesh, and their success in this championship could lead to further opportunities at national and international levels.
