Staff Correspondent: Al Wasi, an eighth-grade student of Haji Sayeed Laboratory School in Tongi, has secured third place in the national-level martial arts competition of the ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ programme, organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The competition, featuring karate and judo, was organised as part of an initiative to identify and develop young sporting talents across the country.

Al Wasi progressed through the competition’s successive stages at the upazila, district and divisional levels before qualifying for the national final. Competing against some of the country’s top young athletes, he delivered a strong performance to finish third at the national level.

At the day-long national competition and prize-giving ceremony held on Saturday, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque handed Al Wasi a bronze medal, certificate of recognition and prize money of Tk 10,000 for his achievement.

Al Wasi is the second son of Sensei Abdullah Al Mamun, general secretary and chief instructor of the Central Committee of International Karate Union Bangladesh.

His achievement has drawn praise from the International Karate Union Bangladesh and the Haji Sayeed Laboratory School family, who congratulated the young karateka and wished him greater success in the future.

The accomplishment is being viewed as an encouraging example of how young athletes can progress from grassroots competitions to the national stage through dedication, discipline and consistent training.