Staff Reporter: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) hosted the 2nd Diplomatic Indoor Games 2026 at International School Dhaka (ISD) on August 28–29, bringing together diplomats, international organisations and government representatives through sports.

Held as the opening event of the Sports Diplomacy Initiative 2026, the two-day games featured badminton and table tennis, with participation from diplomatic missions, UN agencies, international financial institutions and other international organisations.

Representatives from countries including Australia, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Nepal, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union took part, alongside representatives from the United Nations, WHO, World Bank, ADB, UNDP, IOM and IFC.

Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the opening ceremony as Chief Guest.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Rahman 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.”

Beyond competition, the Games provided an informal setting for diplomatic missions, government institutions and international organisations to network and exchange ideas, highlighting the role of sports in fostering dialogue and stronger relationships.

Mike Miller, Director of ISD, said, “It was a privilege for us to welcome the diplomatic community to our campus. Bringing people from different countries and institutions together through sports reflects the values we strive to foster through the IB curriculum—diversity, collaboration and international-mindedness.”

The Games concluded on August 29 with an awards ceremony, where Dr. Nazrul Islam, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presented crests to the winning teams.

The Diplomatic Indoor Games are part of Bangladesh’s Sports Diplomacy Initiative 2026, which uses sports as a platform to promote goodwill, dialogue and engagement among the country’s diplomatic community.