Asian TV’s Chief News Editor Md Abdul Baten, popularly known as Baten Biplob, has won the Shafiqul Kabir Trophy as the Best Male Athlete at the Cute-DRU Sports Festival 2026.

Zahida Parvez Chhanda of The Pressenza News Agency was named the Best Female Athlete, winning the M Anwarul Haque Trophy.

The award-giving ceremony of the Cute-DRU Sports Festival 2026, organised by the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU)and sponsored by Mousumi Industries Limited, was held on Monday at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of DRU.

Youth and Sports Minister Md Aminul Haque attended the programme as the chief guest and distributed the awards.

DRU President Abu Saleh Akon presided over the ceremony. Director (Sports) of the National Sports Council Zahed Parvez Chowdhury, Bangladesh Athletics Federation President and Managing Director of Jaber & Zubayer Fabrics Limited Abdullah Jaber, DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, Sports Secretary Omar Faruk Rubel, and former sports journalist, organiser and banker Selim Nazrul Haque were also present.

Speaking as the chief guest, Youth and Sports Minister Md Aminul Haque said the government plans to provide seed money to all sports federations so that they can finance their activities from the returns generated from the fund.

“We are also considering providing similar seed money to DRU so that journalists do not face difficulties in organising sports activities,” he said.

Abdullah Jaber, in his speech, said sports are a driving force for the country’s youth.

“Sports help develop the mind and keep the body healthy. Therefore, I welcome this initiative of DRU,” he said.

DRU President Abu Saleh Akon said journalists had proved that they could excel not only in writing but also in sports.

“We seek cooperation from the Youth and Sports Minister to further promote sports activities among journalists,” he said.

DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel said the organisation works not only for the professional interests of journalists but also places importance on members.