Notre Dame University Bangladesh (NDUB) celebrated its Annual Sports Day 2026 with great enthusiasm and vibrant participation in the university’s playground on Saturday (February 7, 2026).
The program was graced by the presence of Shahed Muhammad Ali, Editor of The Daily Samakal, who officially inaugurated the event as the Chief Guest.
In his address, Shahed Muhammad Ali recalled the historic story of Roger Bannister, who in 1954 broke the four-minute mile, and said that sports are one of the strongest tools for removing mental barriers. He explained that confidence grows through sports, and with confidence people can cross new limits because our boundaries are not fixed. He urged students to dream big and move forward by valuing small changes. “When we move forward, society moves forward, and the nation moves forward,” he said.
Earlier in the morning, the program began with the hoisting of the national and NDUB flags and the singing of the national anthem. Balloons, festoons, and pigeons were released, adding a festive and symbolic touch to the event.
Dr. Fr. Patrick Daniel Gaffney, CSC, Vice Chancellor of NDUB, delivered a welcoming speech, saying that education is not limited to textbooks and a school includes everything that helps form a complete human being, including games and co-curricular activities. Describing sports as a social practice, he said games teach discipline, teamwork, and friendly competition. “Sports are about working together, enjoying the process, and growing as responsible individuals. Let us find happiness through games and move forward together,” he added.
Athletes then lined up on the field as the torch was lit by Ornika Purification, last year’s best athlete, and the oath was taken under the guidance of Dr. Md. Mustakimur Rahman, Chairman of the Department of Law. The competitions then began, with students taking part in various events amid loud cheers from the sidelines.
In the afternoon, winners of the competitions were given prizes, where Premic Tripura and Ana Maria were named the best athletes, scoring 11 and 10 points, respectively.
After the vote of thanks by Fr. Ashim Theotonius Gonsalves, CSC, Deputy Registrar of NDUB, and a lively raffle draw, the program resumed with the final match of Inter-Department Cricket Tournament between Law and English. The event concluded with another vote of thanks by Fr. Babu Paschal Sarker, CSC, Deputy Director of Language Center.
Dr. Fr. George Kamal Rozario, CSC, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Br. Subal Lawrence Rozario, CSC, Registrar, Fr. Edmond Cruze, CSC, Director of Maintenance, Fr. James Clement Cruze, CSC, Director of Development, Sr. Shagorica Maria Gomes, CSC, Deputy Director of Student Affairs, Fr. Binoy Sebastian Gomes, CSC, Deputy Proctor, and other distinguished persons were present during the day.
