BD must ensure disabled athletes\\\' participation at global stage: UK

FE Team | Published: November 06, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

British High Commissioner in Dhaka Robert Gibson has urged Bangladesh to rectify quickly whatever is necessary before Rio in 2016 to ensure participation of disabled athletes on the world stage, reports UNB.
Expressing his disappointment, Gibson said that because of registration difficulties, Bangladesh was unable to furnish a Paralympic team to either the Olympics or the Commonwealth Games.
"This came as a great disappointment to the many disabled athletes in Bangladesh. I urge you to rectify this quickly, certainly before Rio in 2016 to ensure your athletes can compete on the world stage," he said, addressing a disability cricket coaching certificate presentation ceremony at his residence here Tuesday.
On 2 October 2009, in Copenhagen, it was announced that Rio de Janeiro had won the right to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, bringing these events to South America for the first time.
Prime Minister's Political Adviser HT Imam, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hasan Papon, Head of Disability Cricket at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Ian Martin, and Christine Cipolla, Head of Delegation, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), also spoke on the occasion.
The British envoy said it is possible to tackle the stigma around disability. "But to do this we need to put people with disabilities centre stage and give them a voice."
He said the in-depth training and coaching opportunities for Bangladeshi coaches and disability cricket players delivered over the last few days is a good contribution to that process.
Speaking at the function, HT Imam said the journey that started will be a very successful journey at the end of the day. "We look forward to greater participation. I hope you will have the same spirit, commitment and patriotism. I tell you and assure you, the government will be with you," he added.
BCB President Nazmul Hasan Papon appreciated the joint initiative for the disabled sportspersons, and said this is a wonderful and noble venture. "Cricket is one area which can unite the entire country."
He said so far they have been supporting organizations but the BCB should have special committee for looking after the physically challenged people.