Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said her government wants the game of football to prosper in the country owing to its popularity across the nation.

"Football is the most popular game — it is a reality. So, we want this game to progress further in the country," she said.

The PM was addressing an award-giving ceremony of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Boys U-17 National Gold Cup Football Tournament and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Girls' U-17 National Gold Cup Football Tournament after their grand finals at Bangabandhu National Stadium.

Sheikh Hasina, who was the chief guest at the programme, also stressed on the need to practice sports regularly to improve mental and physical growth of children.

The PM also said Bangladesh has enjoyed some outstanding achievements in different disciplines of sports recently. "We'll have to keep up this trend of success," she added.

She handed over trophies and medals among the players, coaches and officials of the champion and runner up teams of both the tournaments.

In the girls' tournament, Khulna Division clinched the title defeating Dhaka Division 4-3 in the tie-breaker. The regular time of the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

Meanwhile, Barisal Division were champions in the boys' tournament beating Chattogram Division 2-1 in the final.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan Russel spoke at the function as the special guest.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Youth and Sports Abdullah Al Islam Jacob, Secretary of the ministry Akhtar Hossain, Bangladesh Football Federation President Kazi Salahuddin, Brazilian Ambassador in Dhaka Joao Tabajara de Oliveira Junior and high civil and military were present on the dais.

The Ministry of Youths and Sports organised the tournaments in cooperation with the Directorate of Sports across the country.