Thirty three swimmers were initially picked-up from Dhaka District on the opening day of the Bangladesh Swimming Federation’s countrywide talent hunt program named “Bangladesh in Search of Best Swimmers’ at Syed Nazrul Islam National Swimming Complex in Mirpur on Thursday..
Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam inaugurated the six-month long program on Thursday morning. The inaugural function was chaired by President of Bangladesh Swimming Federation and Chief of Bangladesh Navy Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Dr Biren Sikder and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Youth and Sports Ministry Zahid Ahsan Russell were also present at the inaugural function.
Bangladesh Swimming Federation and Bangladesh Navy are jointly organising the six-month long program, first of its kind in Bangladesh, in search of talented swimmers from upazila levels.
Some 215 swimmers from different upzilas of Dhaka District participated in the day’s open trail of the 50-meter freestyle swimming in four age groups and finally 25 boys and eight girls selected for the 2nd phase.
In the six-month long program, participating swimmers, split in four age groups, will go through three-phase selection procedure.
Finally, 60 swimmers will be selected for the long-term training program under the direct supervision of the Swimming Federation.
The Bangladesh Swimming Federation will bear the entire expenses, including education for the finally selected 60 swimmers.
The talent hunt program is expected to be concluded on October 2.
