The day-long Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) Athletes’ Forum 2026 was held at the Olympic Building, under the initiative of the BOA Athletes’ Commission, with the aim of knowledge, awareness and overall development of athletes.

In the day-long forum, discussions were held with the participation of experts on various issues that are very important for the current and future lives of athletes. At the beginning of the program, the participants were informed about the activities and recent progress of the BOA Athletes’ Commission. Then, sessions were held on Mental Health & Psychological Wellbeing in Sport, Safeguarding & Safe Sport, Anti-Doping & Clean Sport, Prevention of Manipulation in Competitions and Athlete Career Transition & Life After Sport.

Mr. Faysal Ahmed Rafi, Founder & Chief Psychologist of Mindwizz, discussed the topic of Mental Health & Psychological Wellbeing in Sport. He discussed the impact of mental stress, anxiety, burnout and performance expectations on athletes in competitive sports. He also highlighted the importance of addressing these mental challenges appropriately and seeking professional mental health support if needed.

The session on Safeguarding & Safe Sport was moderated by Ms. Fatima Esha, Head of Safeguarding, SAFF. She discussed the importance of preventing harassment, abuse, bullying and discrimination in sports and ensuring a safe, respectful and supportive environment for all athletes. She also emphasized the need to raise awareness to protect the dignity and safety of athletes and maintain mutual respect in sports.

Dr. Mohammed Shafiqur Rahman, Member-Secretary of the BOA Anti-Doping Committee, discussed the topic of Anti-Doping & Clean Sport. He provided detailed insights on the rights and responsibilities of athletes in anti-doping activities, awareness of prohibited substances and methods, Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE), dope testing process and precautions required in the use of supplements. He also highlighted the importance of every athlete being aware of the anti-doping regulations to ensure clean and fair sports and the responsibility of players towards doping.

In addition, Mr. Md. Shejan Ahmed Jahan, Deputy Head of Students Affairs and Judo Coach of International Hope School, discussed the topic of Prevention of Manipulation in Competitions. He highlighted various aspects of match-fixing, illegal betting, suspicious offers, reporting procedures and maintaining the integrity of sports. He also highlighted the importance of following the proper reporting procedures when faced with such situations, informing the concerned authorities and maintaining personal and professional integrity to protect the integrity of sports.

Brig. Gen. (Retd.) A B M Shefaul Kabir, Director General of Bangladesh Olympic Association, conducted the session on Athlete Career Transition & Life After Sport. He emphasized the need to plan for future careers before the end of competitive sports careers. The discussion highlighted issues such as education and skill development, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship opportunities, financial planning and utilizing the experience and skills acquired in sports in future careers. At the same time, the importance of education and training to prepare athletes mentally and professionally for their post-retirement lives was highlighted.

In the closing ceremony, Mrs. Farhad Jasmine Lity expressed her gratitude on behalf of the BOA Athletes Commission, speeches by the participating athletes, speeches by the Secretary General of Bangladesh Olympic Association, Mr. Md. Jobayedur Rahman, speeches by the chief guest and certificates were distributed among the participants. The closing ceremony of the forum was attended by the Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam. He thanked all those involved for such a timely and athlete-centric arrangement. He said that the issues discussed in the forum are very important and every athlete needs to have proper knowledge and awareness on these issues. He further told the participating athletes that the knowledge gained from the forum should not be limited to themselves. He urged them to return to their respective areas and spread this knowledge and awareness among other athletes, the young generation and sports related people. The forum ended with the distribution of certificates among the participants by the chief guest.