The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, hosted the 2nd Diplomatic Indoor Games 2026 on August 28 and 29 at International School Dhaka (ISD), continuing a tradition of sports diplomacy within Dhaka’s diplomatic community, a press release said.
As the opening event of the Sports Diplomacy Initiative 2026, the two-day tournament brought together participants from embassies, high commissions, UN agencies, international organizations, and government institutions for a weekend full of camaraderie.
This second edition of the games included structured badminton and table tennis categories. Diplomats and representatives competed from across several missions and embassies, including Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Nepal, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, alongside representatives from the United Nations, World Health Organization, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, UNDP, IOM, IFC, and ISD.
Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the event as Chief Guest of the opening ceremony.
The closing ceremony was graced by Aharar Hossain, Executive Editor, ALAP; Moshiur Rahman, Managing Director, Modhumoti Group; Dr. Nazrul Islam, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who presented the crests to the winning teams; Ziaul Karim, Head of Brand, Marketing and Communications, EBL; Shajalal Sumon, Head of Business Development, Purbani Lifestyle Ltd; and Maria Tanjimath, Advocate, Chamber One.
Sharing his perspective on the event, the Chief Guest said, “Sports has always been the language of trust and understanding among people. The games offered a relaxed space for our international partners and host institutions to have open conversations and build relationships outside their usual diplomatic settings.”
Mike Miller, Director of ISD, said, “It was a privilege for us to welcome the diplomatic community to our campus. This spirit of global dignitaries and institutions coming together for good sportsmanship reflects exactly what we strive for through the IB curriculum; a genuine celebration of diversity and international-mindedness.”
Beyond the competition, the Games offered opportunities for international delegations, host ministries, and partner organizations to network outside the scheduled matches. The opening and closing ceremonies, hospitality areas, and intervals between the games were scheduled to offer delegations time to converse and get to know one another.
The two-day event concluded on August 29, 2026, with an awards ceremony recognizing the winners in all categories. Winners in badminton Mens’ Doubles were Sohail Borua & Md. Morshedul Alam Munna from IOM and winners in Mixed Doubles were Jayson & Sayeda Tasmin Sultana from MoFA respectively, while runners up in Mens’ Doubles were Manas & Vaisak from ISD and runners up in Mixed Doubles were Sapto Sudianto & Nur from Indonesia respectively. Winners in table tennis Doubles were Md. Ruhul Quddus & Md. Mohosin Azad from WHO and winner in table tennis Singles was Ayan Dewan from UNWFP respectively, while runners up in table tennis Doubles were Newton Rony Das & Md. Suja Uddin Bhuiyan from WHO and runners up in tables tennis Singles was Md. Ruhul Quddus from WHO respectively.
