'Lessons come from defeat': Mushfiqur inspires students in Milestone Sports Festival

Bangladesh veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim spent time with students at Milestone School and College during the ‘Milestone Sports Festival 2026’, an initiative aimed at restoring students’ mental well-being through sports, empathy and collective participation.

Held at the institution’s Diabari campus on Sunday, the festival was organised to help students regain emotional strength and create positive memories following the tragedy that occurred at Milestone School and College on July 21, 2025.

The crash on July 21 killed 36 people -- 28 students, three teachers, three parents, and one staff member -- when a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into the school premises.

The campus wore a festive look from the morning, with proceedings beginning with the rendition of the national anthem by students. As a symbol of peace and hope, pigeons were released into the sky to formally inaugurate the programme.

Mushfiqur later joined the students on the field, taking part in a friendly cricket match that, beyond competition, fostered excitement, joy and a sense of togetherness among the participants. A mini ball-throw game was also organised, where students and guests played together.

Speaking at the event, JICA Bangladesh Chief Representative Ichiguchi Tomohide highlighted the importance of such participatory initiatives, saying they play a vital role in helping children regain mental resilience. Milestone School and College executive principal Rifat Nabi Alam praised the students’ courage, patience and unity, describing the festival as an important opportunity for them to rebuild confidence.

MUFG Bank Limited Bangladesh managing director Kenji Kimura was also present at the event. Later, during the second segment of the programme, Ekmatra Society executive director Dr Niloy Ranjan Biswas stressed that sports and creative activities are effective and positive tools for ensuring children’s mental well-being. Kimura also spoke about the importance of learning, teamwork and problem-solving skills through board games.

Addressing the students at the end of the programme, Mushfiqur praised their discipline and mental strength. Reflecting on his own journey, he said that some of the most important lessons of his life came from matches he had lost. He then patiently answered various questions from the students, engaging with them warmly and sincerely.

As part of the festival, a board game club for students was formally inaugurated, which organisers hope will contribute to students’ educational and psychological development in the future.

The festival was jointly organised by JICA Bangladesh and Milestone School and College, with Ekmatra Entrepreneurs Limited as the organising partner and MUFG Bank Limited Bangladesh as the supporting partner.