The Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) is hopeful of organising the Sheikh Kamal 2nd Bangladesh Youth Games in a more cohesive way than the inaugural edition held in 2018, as 60,000 athletes, officials, technical staff and organisers across the country gear up to participate.

The first phase of the 2nd Youth (U-17) Games is set to get underway from January 2, with 495 upazillas taking part in the meet. The second phase will see the participation of 64 districts between January 16-22. The final phase, featuring eight divisions, will be held in Dhaka from February 26 to March 4. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina consented to opening the final round of Youth Games at the Army Stadium in Banani on February 26 as the chief guest.

Around 50,000 athletes, officials, technical staff and organisers had participated last time around.

Asked whether athletes sporting salwar kameez and running barefoot would be seen again at the upazila level, BOA vice-president and media committee chairman Bashir Ahmed replied: "After taking in the experience of the first edition, the BOA has already released Tk 3.5 crore to prepare athletes at upazilla level this time around. So we are hopeful the scenario will be much better."

BOA joint secretary general Ashikur Rahman Miku added: "We have identified the loopholes after taking the experience of the first edition into consideration. To operate smoothly, the representatives from the BOA and respective federations will be there to monitor everything."

This time, 24 disciplines, three more than in the first edition, were included in the Games, which will offer 492 gold medals from 198 events.

Bashir Ahmed said: "The inaugural edition of the Youth Games produced a lot of talented athletes who later shone in the Bangladesh Games, thus making their way to the national squad. We have also provided 36 players with further training at BKSP. This time, we are determined to continue the talent hunt and provide advanced training."

BOA treasurer AK Sarker, chief coordinator of Youth Games brigadier general Ashraf and BOA member Sirajuddin Mohammad Alamgir were also present on the occasion.