New Delhi : Bijender Goel, the Founder of the Modern Pythian Games, had a significant meeting with Md. Mustafizur Rahman, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, along with other diplomats at the Bangladesh High Commission.

The meeting focused on discussing the profound historical significance of the Pythian Games and seeking support for initiatives aimed at fostering cultural, artistic, and sporting excellence across the BIMSTEC nations.

The Pythian Games, originally part of the ancient Greek Panhellenic Games alongside the Olympics, celebrated Apollo, the god of music and poetry, through competitions in music, poetry, and athletics.

Revived in 2022, the modern Pythian Games aim to uphold this tradition and are planning to host the world’s first modern Pythian Games in Athens, Greece, in 2027.

The International Pythian Council is now headquartered in New Delhi, and various national Pythian councils are being established in member countries and states.

Goel articulated the vision for the modern Pythian Games, emphasizing the revolutionary selection process for artists and athletes, offering inclusive participation opportunities through a unique blend of online and offline networks.

This educational initiative promises to instigate transformative changes, promote cultural exchange, and celebrate human creativity globally.

Looking ahead, the delegation expressed their aspiration to establish Dhaka, Bangladesh, as the headquarters for the Modern Pythian Games for BIMSTEC nations.

Dhaka’s rich cultural heritage and strategic regional importance make it an ideal hub for nurturing this initiative.

The delegation, which included Lalita Goel, Dr. Poonam Gupta, S. Siva Kumar, and Sujon Saha, presented several requests for support as detailed below:

1. Appointment with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh: The delegation seeks assistance in facilitating an appointment with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh in October 2024 to discuss collaborative opportunities and gain governmental support for their initiatives.
2. Establishment of BIMSTEC Nations Headquarters in Dhaka: They requested support in establishing the Modern Pythian Games BIMSTEC Nations Headquarters in Dhaka, which will coordinate cultural activities, events, and collaborations among BIMSTEC member countries.
3. Support for the First International Cultural Para Pythian Games in Dhaka (2025): The delegation seeks assistance in organizing this landmark event to promote the talents of differently-abled artists and performers.
4. Launching the International Poet Nazrul Award: In honour of the great poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, they proposed launching an award to recognize outstanding contributions to literature.
5. Establishment of an International Pythian Games Academy in Dhaka: The proposed academy will nurture and develop artistic and traditional game talents across the BIMSTEC region through training programs, workshops, and cultural exchanges.

Goel emphasized that the support of the Bangladesh High Commission is crucial to realizing these ambitious visions.