Background and objectives:
Sports participation has been linked to various health outcomes; however, such understanding is somewhat limited in low-income countries. The aim of this study was to examine sports participation and its relationship with the mental health outcomes of Bangladeshi adolescents.

Methods:
Using a mixed method approach, this paper explored sports participation and their relationship with mental health outcomes of 320 adolescents aged 13-17 years (59% boys) in Bangladesh. Participants completed a survey that included participation in team and non-team sports, depressive symptoms, and life satisfaction. Four focus group discussions (FGDs; 16 boys, 16 girls) were conducted to explore preferences for, and barriers to, sports participation.

Results:
Regression analysis showed that both team and non-team sports participation were inversely associated with depressive symptoms in boys (β=-1.22, 95%CI:-2.55,-0.10, β=-2.50, 95%CI:-3.83,-1.16, respectively), while team sports was inversely associated with depressive symptoms in girls (β=-2.44, 95%CI:-4.63,-0.24). Both team and non-team sports participation were positively associated with life satisfaction in both genders. Analyses of FGDs showed that boys preferred playing football and cricket, while girls preferred skipping and running. Prolonged time on electronic devices was reported by both genders as a barrier, while involvement in household chores, family restrictions, and unsafe environment were reported by girls. Participation in team sports may provide mental health benefits for both genders, while non-team sports may be more beneficial to boys than girls.

Conclusions:
This study offers cross-sectional associations between sports participation and mental health outcomes and hence contributes to the growing evidence of the relationships in resource-poor settings. Gender-based differences in preference for, and barriers to, sports participation found in the current study can help inform future research as well as strategies to promote sports participation in adolescents in Bangladesh and other countries that share similar cultures and traditions.