Karim Jute Mill mulled for permanent training and dev centre for athletics
The Bangladesh Athletics Federation (BAF) has long envisioned establishing a modern, full-fledged athletics centre to elevate the sport in the country to new heights.
To identify a potential site for realizing this dream, Bangladesh Athletics Federation officials visited the Karim Jute Mill in Demra on Tuesday.
Federation Officials are planning to develop an international-standard athletics centre, which will be prepared around the mill’s vast grounds, which span approximately 60 acres.
According to the federation’s plan, a modern athletics track will be constructed on the vast premises of Karim Jute Mill.
Plans are also in place to develop the necessary infrastructure for athlete training and accommodation. The federation is considering including residential buildings, a modern gymnasium, dressing rooms, changing rooms, and other facilities suitable for international competitions.
There is a lack of the modern infrastructure required for the regular training, accommodation, and long-term preparation of athletes. The officials believe, the establishment of a permanent athletics centre could play a vital role in the development of athletics in the country.
Advocate Ali Imam Tapon, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Athletics Federation, said, “Our New President, Mohammad Abdullah Jaber, has expressed a desire to facilitate the establishment of an athletics centre.
In line with this, we inspected the Karim Jute Mill. If the government hands over this jute mill to us, we will strive to build a modern, international-standard athletics centre.”
Monzur Morshed, Joint Secretary of the Federation, said, “Establishing such a centre will create long-term training opportunities not only for national athletes but also for the country’s promising young athletes. At the same time, it will make it easier to prepare athletes for international-standard competitions.”
The Federation officials toured the entire site during their inspection of the Karim Jute Mill in Demra on Tuesday. They specifically examined the vast open ground and the surrounding infrastructure.
Preliminary assessments were also made regarding how a track, training facilities, and residential accommodations can be developed at the proposed location. They believe, the ample space available at the Karim Jute Mill ground makes it possible to create the necessary facilities for practicing various athletic events. In addition to track and field, modern gymnasiums and other training amenities could be incorporated to enhance the athletes’ physical fitness.
If residential facilities were provided, it will also create opportunities to train talented athletes across the country through long-term camps.
However, government cooperation is required to implement the entire plan. If the site of the Karim Jute Mill is allocated to the federation or made available for its use, the subsequent stages-involving the formulation of a detailed plan, designing, and infrastructure construction-will move forward. At the same time, efforts will be made to secure foreign assistance to overcome the financial crisis.
Alongside football and cricket, there is potential for success in athletics at the international level within Bangladesh’s sports arena. Many talented individuals fail to reach the desired level due to a lack of necessary infrastructure.
Implementing this initiative can largely overcome that challenge and pave the way for a permanent training and development centre for the country’s athletics.
