United News of Bangladesh

Fakirerpool Youngmen's Club and Uttara Football Club won their respective matches in the eight-team Bangladesh Championship League (BCL) Football' 2023-24 at Bir Sherestha Shaheed Shipahi Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Dhaka’s Kamalapur on Wednesday. SAFF U-16 Women's Champs: Bangladesh come from behind to beat India on penalties in final Fakirerpool YC outplayed Farashganj SC by 4-1 goals. Rafayel, Dalim, Saifullah and Irfan scored one each for the winners while Al Amin netted the lone goal for the losers. In the day's other match, Uttara Football Club beat NoFel SC by 3-0 goals. Joy scored twice and Labibur netted the other goal for Uttara FC.

Defending champions Dhaka Mariner Youngs Club earned a massive victory with 18-1 goals over Dilkusha SC  in the 11-team Green Delta Insurance Premier Division Hockey League at the Moulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium here Wednesday.  Dhaka Mariner Youngs Club, which suffered a shocking 1-5 goals defeat against Usha KC in league opener, strongly came back in the race crushing Azad SC by 13-2 goals in the 2nd match, featuring two hattricks by Sabuj and Sadaf. In the day's match, Shohanur Rahman Sabuj made a hattrick with five goals, Mainul Alam Kaushik and  Prince also made hattricks contributing three  goals each, Milan Hossain,  Abed Uddin and Sadaf  scored two goals each while Rahid scored the remaining goal for the winners. After trailing by 17-0 goals, Mithu scored the consolation goal for Dilkusha SC in the 58th of the match. Earlier in the day's first match, Bangladesh Police Hockey Club earned the 2nd consecitive victory in the league beating Bangladesh Sporting Club by 2-0 goals at the same venue Wednesday afternoon. This was the 2nd win for Police team against Bangladesh SC in the season after beating them by 2-1 goals in the first match. Maksud Alam Habul' s led Police team took lead in the very 2nd minute of the match from a penalty corner taken by Indian player Gurjit Singh (1-0). Midfielder Naimur Rahman confirmed the Police victory scoring the 2nd goal in the 55th minute (2-0).  Bangladesh SC also made some good attempts towards Police territory  but failed to utilize any due poor finishing.     

Chasing a challenging total of 255 runs in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh lost their openers early in Chattogram on Wednesday.    Litton Das suffered a first-ball duck, and Soumya Sarkar only managed three runs. Both fell prey to Dilshan Madushanka.    It was a deceptive delivery from Madushanka, pitching it in the zone between a good length and back of a length. Litton finds himself constrained for room as he defends from within the crease. But the ball took an unexpected turn, forcing Litton to chop it onto his stumps, ending his innings abruptly.   Soumya fell to a shorter wide ball. While going for a shot to midwicket, he edged it. After Soumya, Towhid Hridoy also fell cheaply.    Earlier, Sri Lanka posted a challenging total of 255 for all wickets. Captain Kusal Mendis and Janith Liyanage scored a half-century each.    Three Bangladeshi pacers shared nine wickets among them. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the only other bowler to take a wicket.    

Sri Lanka elected to bat first after winning the toss in the opening ODI of the three-match series against Bangladesh in Chattogram on Wednesday. Chattogram's wickets traditionally favour batsmen, hinting at potentially high-scoring encounters in this series. In the head-to-head statistics, Bangladesh has won just 10 out of the 54 ODIs played against Sri Lanka. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka set for ODI showdown Wednesday Both teams have expressed their desire to win this match and, eventually, the series. Bangladesh lag behind Sri Lanka in T20Is, but they are a strong opponent for the Lankans in ODIs.  Bangladesh XI: Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Tanzid Hasan Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk and captain), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara

Bangladesh is poised to make an indelible mark on the international boxing stage as Aminul Islam, a trailblazer from Xcel Sports Promotion, is set to participate in the “Rings of Champions” boxing event. This landmark engagement will take place at the prestigious Grand Swiss Hotel in Seoul on March 16, 2024, marking Aminul’s debut as the first Bangladeshi professional boxer to compete in South Korea. Aminul Islam, a celebrated figure in professional boxing, is slated to face Dong Hoon Jang, South Korea’s leading Bantamweight boxer, in a highly anticipated match. This encounter, a collaboration between Xcel and DND Promotions, is not just a bout but a milestone event expected to captivate boxing aficionados across the globe. Premier Div Hockey: Usha KC return to winning ways beating Ajax SC 4-2  The bout is set to unfold over six intense rounds within the Bantamweight division, which has a weight limit of 54 kg. This confrontation is the culmination of rigorous preparation, with both fighters gearing up to showcase their prowess in what promises to be an unforgettable clash. The weigh-in, a precursor to the tension-filled event, is scheduled for March 15, 2024, setting the stage for the next day’s epic encounter. Adnan Haroon, chairman of Bangladesh Boxing Foundation, conveyed his enthusiasm, stating, “Aminul's participation in this historic event marks a significant milestone for Bangladeshi boxing. His dedication and hard work reflect the spirit of our boxing community. It’s a proud moment for our nation as we witness our athletes showcase the talent and potential of Bangladesh on the international stage.” This ground-breaking venture not only highlights Aminul Islam’s foray into the South Korean boxing scene but also symbolises a significant leap for Bangladeshi sports, inspiring future generations to dream big. As Islam steps into the ring, he carries not just the weight of expectation but the hopes of a nation eager to establish its presence on the world stage. Sura Krishna shines at ‘Path to Glory: Hustle in Dhaka Square’ boxing tournament

After the T20I Series win for Sri Lanka, the stage for the three-match ODI is all set for Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, starting on Wednesday in Chattogram.  While Bangladesh lag behind the tourists when it comes to T20Is, but in ODIs they hold the edge. Especially their history in the last few years in ODIs tells that this series is going to be tough for Sri Lanka. Well, after the defeat in the T20I Series, the hosts will also have a challenging time in the field. However, apart from the recent triumph against Bangladesh in T20Is, Sri Lanka can draw confidence in getting an advantage from Bangladesh’s history of the last year, where they failed to continue their ODI prowess. However, Bangladesh Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto isn't dwelling on history. Instead, he's focused on overcoming present challenges. “Challenge is always there,“ he told reporters ahead of the first match of the ODI Series. “There is a challenge, whatever team you face, in an international team you face. We have played great cricket from 2015 to 2022. Now, it’s okay, that a year did not go well for us. What is important now is to bounce back as a team, and we are ready for that.” Chattogram’s wickets are traditionally more friendly to the batters. In the most recent instances, the fans saw some big-scoring matches in Chattogram during the BPL. Sri Lankan batters proved that they can score against the Bangladesh attack on the wickets of Sylhet, which are more friendly to the bowlers, as stats suggest. This means, they might be more dangerous in Chattogram.  "We have experienced some good batting scores recently,” the Sri Lankan coach Chris Silverwood said. “So, we'll keep trying to push that.” The Bangladesh captain knows well about this challenge and he believes, if the bowlers can come up as a unit and do well, everything can be faced on the field.  “The bowlers are certainly going to face challenges,” Shanto said. “Knowing how they can adapt to the condition is important. We often say without understanding that bowlers do not bowl well. But everyone should understand the circumstances.” Both Silverwood and Shanto hinted that they are kicking off their preparation for the next World Cup starting from this match. Bangladesh captain said that he wants the team to play as a team and be supportive of each other in the mix.  Bangladesh may shuffle their batting order, with Litton Das potentially dropping down and Soumya Sarkar gaining all-rounder duties. Tanzid Hasan Tamim might fill the opening slot. Bangladesh has won only 10 of their 54 ODIs against Sri Lanka, most victories coming in recent years. While history paints Sri Lanka as a formidable foe, the current scenario is different. Bangladesh will be fighting to prove this. The ODI series will be broadcast live in Bangladesh on Gtv and T-Sports. Fans worldwide can access the matches through various TV-Channels and OTT-Platforms, including the Rabbithole and T-Sports YouTube-Channels.

Usha Krira Chakra returned to winning ways in the 11-team Green Delta Premier Division Hockey League beating Ajax SC by 4-2 goals in their 3rd match at the Moulana Bhasani National Stadium here on Tuesday. Premier Div Hockey: Dhaka Abahani Ltd mataintain all-win run crushing Azad SC 10-1The old Dhaka Hockey giant Usha KC, which made an upset in the ongoing league outplaying defending champions Dhaka Mariner Youngs Club by 5-1 goals in the league opener, lost to former champions Dhaka Abahani Ltd by 1-2 goals in their 2nd match.   In the day's match, Indian player Ishrat Iktidar scored twice for Usha KC in the 4th and 29th minutes, both from penalty corners while Hasan Jubair Niloy and another Indian Nikhil Nandlal Pardeshi scored one field goal each  for Usha KC in the 30th and 57th minutes respectively. Indian player Rohit Singh scored both the goals for Ajax SC in the 17th and 32nd minutes, both from penalty corners. Premier Div Hockey: Holders Mariner Youngs Club,  former champions Abahani Ltd earn massive win 

Former champions Dhaka Abahani Limited maintained an all-win run in the 11-team Green Delta Premier Division Hockey League crushing Azad SC by 10-1 goals at the Moulana Bhasani National Stadium here on Tuesday. This was the 3rd consecutive victory for the sky- blue Dhanmondi outfit Abahani in the league after crushing Dilkusha SC by 10-1 goals in the first match and beat old Dhaka giant Usha KC by 2-1 goals in the 2nd match. In the day's match, Pushkar Kisha Mimo, Rakibul Hasan Rocky and Roman Sarkar scored two goals each while Naimuddin, Mohammad Abdullah, Ashraful Islam and Farhad Ahmed Shitul scored one goal each for Abahani while Mohabbat scored the consolation goal for Azad SC. Premier Div Hockey: Holders Mariner Youngs Club,  former champions Abahani Ltd earn massive win Defender Farhad Ahmed Shitul opened the floodgate for Abahani in the 2nd minute from a penalty corner (1-0), Rakibul Hasan doubled the margin in the 8th minute by a field goal (2-0), Pushkar Kisha Mimo scored the 3rd goal for Abahani in the 14th minute (3-0). Naimuddin contributed a field goal in the 19th (4-0), Pushkar Kisha Mimo scored his 2nd and 5th goal for Abahani in the following minute (20th minute, defender Ashraful Islam scored the 6th goal in the 21st minute from a penalty corner (6-0). In the 33rd minute, Rakibul Hasan scored his 2nd and the 7th goal for Abahani, Roman Sarkar further sounded the Abahani margin scoring the 8th goal in the 38th minute (8-0) and Mohammad Abdullah made it 9-0 in the 42nd minute (9-0). Bangladeshi archer Joma Akter will directly compete in Paris 2024 Paralympics Mohabbat pulled Azad SC margin one back by a field goal in the 51st minute (9-1) while Roman Sarkar sealed the fate of the match scoring his 2nd and the 10th goal for Abahani in the 58th minute (10-1)  

Defending champions Dhaka Mariner Youngs Club and former champions Dhaka Abahani Limited earned a massive win in the 11-team Green Delta Premier Division Hockey League at the Moulana Bhasani National Stadium on Sunday. Holders Mariner Youngs Club, which suffered a shocking 1-5 goals defeat against Usha KC in the league opener, today (Sunday) strongly came back in the league crushing Azad SC by 13-2 goals in their 2nd match Sunday afternoon, featuring two hattricks by Sabuj and Sadaf. Shohanur Rahman Sabuj made the match first hattrick scoring four  goals in the12th , 14th,  34th and 58th minutes while medio Sadaf Salehin completed the match 2nd hattrick scoring three quick goals in the 39th, 40th and 41st minutes. Besides, Fazle Hossain Rabby scored twice, Sajedur Rahman Saju,  Milon Hossain,  Moinul Islam Kaushik and Abeduddin scored one each for Mariner Youngs. Shahin and Mohabbat scored one goal each for Azad SC. In the day's 2nd match, Dhaka Abahani Ltd, riding on two goals by Mohammad Asadullah, maintained all win run in the league beating giant killer Usha KC by 2-1 goals in a keenly contested match Sunday evening. This was the 2nd successive victory for Abahani Limited in the league after beating Azad SC by 10-1 goals in the first match while it was the first defeat for Usha KC in their 2nd league match after beating Mariner Youngs Club by 5-1 goals in the league opener. Promising midfielder Mohammad Asadullah scored both the goals for Abahani Limited in the 9th and 29th minutes while Indian player Mohammad Shariq scored the lone goal for old Dhaka outfit Usha KC in the 40th minute.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud presided over the prize distribution ceremony of the inaugural Independence Diplomatic Cup tennis tournament organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday in Dhaka. Held at the Rashtriya Guest House Meghna, the event celebrated the successful conclusion of the tournament, which featured the participation of 15 teams, including representatives from 13 countries and organizations, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sweden emerged as the champions, with Denmark securing the runner-up position. Ambassador Christian Brix Moller of Denmark was recognized as the tournament's best player. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and distinguished guests, including British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, Swedish Ambassador Alexandra Berg von Linde, and Acting High Commissioner of Australia Nardia Simpson attended the ceremony.