United News of Bangladesh

Former French Open champions Justine Henin and Andre Agassi will present the women's and men's singles trophies at Roland-Garros, organizers said Saturday. Henin won the clay-court Grand Slam four times. Agassi lifted the Coupe des Mousquetaires trophy in 1999. He was also twice runner-up in Paris. Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka takes on No. 2 Coco Gauff later Saturday in the women's final, with the winner receiving the trophy from Henin. Top-ranked Jannik Sinner will be up against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the men's final on Sunday.

The proposed budget for the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the fiscal year 2025-26 has been allocated at Tk 2423 crore, Tk 842.32 crore more than last year's revised budget. Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed presented the budget Monday afternoon. Of the total budget Tk 2423 crore, operating cost will be Tk 983 crore and development expenditure will be Tk 1440 crore. The revised budget for the last 2024-25 fiscal year was 1581 crore--953 crore for operating expenditure  and Tk  628 crore for the development expenditure. The main sports program for the  fiscal year 2025-26  featured organising and participating in sports at national and international level as well as rendering national sports award, hunting sports talents, creating sports environment in rural areas, preparing skill sports persons, construction, improvement and maintenance of sports infrastructure, providing grants in aid to various sports organisations and providing welfare grants-in aid to insolvent sports persons.

Touring Bangladesh Women's Football team will play their last match in the three-nation tournament against their 69th ranked higher host Jordan on Tuesday (June 3) at 10 pm Bangladesh time at the King Abdullah Stadium in the Jordanian capital Amman during the FIFA international window. Earlier, Bangladesh women’s team (ranked 133) played their higher ranked Jordan (ranked 74) in a lone match in the Women’s Asian Cup Qualifier on September 19, 2021 and suffered a 0-5 goals defeat. Bangladesh National Women's Football team, which was inspired after playing goalless draw with their 39th ranked higher Indonesian in the first match last Saturday, now morally boost up to beat their giant rivals Jordan in Tuesday's match. Meanwhile, Bangladesh women’s team made their final training session at the Salt Stadium in Amman on Monday from 1 pm to 2:30 pm Bangladesh time. In the day’s training session, the inspired Bangladesh team focused on their ability following their goalless draw with Indonesia and expressed their high hope of winning the match against the hosts after displaying good football. Bangladeshi experienced campaigner and midfielder Maria Manda said, “we completed  a good practice session today (Monday), we will play Jordan tomorrow (Tuesday), we are now are ready and wants to leave the field with a win against Jordan after playing a good match”.     Bangladesh is playing two international friendly matches against two tough Asian opponents as part of their preparation for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers, which begin in Myanmar on June 29. Bangladesh has been placed in Group C of the Asian tournament along with hosts Myanmar, Bahrain, and Turkmenistan. In Group C matches, Bangladesh will face Bahrain on June 29, Myanmar on July 2, and Turkmenistan on July 5, all at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon.  

French authorities reported Sunday that two people died and a police officer was left in a coma following large-scale celebrations across the country after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) won the Champions League—Europe’s most prestigious soccer tournament. A 17-year-old was fatally stabbed in Dax during PSG celebrations following Saturday night’s final in Munich, according to the national police. In Paris, a man died when his scooter collided with a car during the festivities, the Interior Ministry stated. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing. In Coutance, northwest France, a police officer suffered serious eye injuries from a firework accident and has been placed in an induced coma, the police reported. Although most of the celebrations were peaceful, some turned violent, leading to hundreds of arrests. PSG’s squad is set to return to a hero’s welcome on the Champs-Élysées Sunday, after defeating Inter Milan 5-0 to win their first-ever Champions League title. Authorities deployed a water cannon near the Arc de Triomphe to secure the Place de l’Étoile. Police said a large crowd not watching the match attempted to breach a barricade to confront officers. By 2 a.m. Sunday, police had made 294 arrests, including 30 individuals who broke into a shoe store on the Champs-Élysées. Two cars were also set on fire near Parc des Princes. At Place de la Bastille, fans gathered in high spirits—singing, dancing, and lighting flares as they celebrated on and around the base of the iconic column. Motorbikes circled the area to cheers from the crowd. With no police present, the scene remained lively and peaceful as the night went on. Anticipating potential unrest, officials had stationed 5,400 officers across the Champs-Élysées, other key locations in Paris, and surrounding suburbs.

Former captain of the Bangladesh national cricket team, as well as the country's first Test centurion, Aminul Islam Bulbul, was declared the new president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Friday. Bulbul, who had a reputation as one of cricket's nicest guys, was announced as the 16th president of BCB at a meeting of the BCB board of directors Friday (May 30) afternoon. Nazmul Abedeen Fahim and Fahim Sinha were elected as senior vice president and vice president respectively. BCB director Iftekhar Rahman Mithu, officially made this announcement at a press conference after the BCB directors’ meeting on Friday evening. Earlier, National Sports Council (NSC) appointed Bulbul as a BCB director on Friday afternoon after cancelling Faruque Ahmed’s nomination after eight directors submitted a no-confidence letter against Faruque Ahmed on Thursday (29 May) . 8 out of 9 active BCB directors submit no confidence letter against Faruque as walls close in Later, BCB’s board of directors elected Aminul Islam as the president in a board meeting on Friday evening. Bulbul represented Bangladesh in 13 Tests and 39 ODIs and became the first Bangladeshi to score a Test century in the country's inaugural Test against India. After retiring from international cricket in 2002, Bulbul served the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in various capacities over the past decade. He also served as the development manager for ICC’s Asia region before joining the BCB.

Rafael Nadal hasn’t swung a tennis racket in the six months since the final match of his remarkable career. Eventually, he figures, he will do so again, if for no other reason than to prepare for exhibition matches. But for now, he is fine taking time away from the court in retirement. He also was OK with realizing soon after walking away that he no longer felt the competitive streak that helped carry him to 22 Grand Slam titles. That total includes a remarkable 14 at the French Open, more championships than any other person won at one of his sport’s major tournaments — and the site of a celebration of his excellence on Sunday in its main stadium. When he would play golf, for example, “I didn’t care if I lose, if I win, if I play well, if I play bad. Was a strange feeling for me, and not funny. I didn’t like to experience that, being honest, because I understand (sports differently).” Not surprisingly, though, that period passed. It makes sense that the drive that pushed him for two decades to succeed, to strive to get better, to keep accumulating accolades would not quite disappear forever. “I am competitive again,” he pronounced with a smile. “Just to let you know, I am enjoying my daily competitions when I play golf and when I do things, but I think in a much nicer way.” Now he invests time in his family — his wife and 2-year-old son were at Court Philippe-Chatrier for Sunday’s moving tribute — and business interests, including his tennis academy, a hotel company and a nutritional supplements company, plus his charitable foundation. “I am discovering,” said Nadal, who turns 39 on June 3, “what really motivates me for this new life. 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal will retire from tennis after next month's Davis Cup finals  

Novak Djokovic made more tennis history by winning a 100th career singles title on Saturday and his first in a city that is special to his family. Djokovic finally reached his century after rallying to beat Hubert Hurkacz 5-7, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (2) in more than three hours in the Geneva Open final. He lost his two previous finals since his 99th title win nine months ago at the Paris Olympics at Roland-Garros. He joins tennis greats Jimmy Connors, who has a record 109 titles, and Roger Federer on 103 as the only men with a century of tournament wins in the Open era. The 100th followed a typically tough and hard-working match, two days after his 38th birthday and surrounded by his family in the Swiss city where some relatives reside. “I’m just grateful to clinch the 100 here,” Djokovic said in an on-court interview. “I had to work for it, that is for sure.” His wife and children joined him in Geneva to celebrate his birthday after cutting a day off school, Djokovic quipped, also revealing another reason why he grabbed a late wild-card entry into the last clay-court warmup for the French Open. The lakeside city is home to a much-loved aunt and uncle, and cousins including one who recently gave birth to a baby the Djokovics really wanted to meet. With Lionel Messi watching, Novak Djokovic advances to Miami Open final to face upstart Jakub Mensik The three-time French Open champion now heads back to Paris looking to add to his 24 Grand Slam singles titles. He has a first-round match on Monday against Mackenzie McDonald of the United States. Winner in 20 different seasons The Serb clinched with an ace down the middle to complete a surge to victory after breaking Hurkacz’s serve for the first time while trailing 4-3 in the deciding set. Djokovic took that break-point chance with a forehand cross-court winner advancing to the net on Hurkacz’s sliced half-volley. “Hubert was probably closer to the victory the entire match than I was,” Djokovic said. "I don’t know how I broke his serve.” He is the first man in the Open era to win a title in 20 different seasons. Djokovic's 100th singles title came nearly 19 years after the first in July 2006. That also was on clay, at Amersfoort in the Netherlands, against Nicolás Massú — the Chilean who now coaches Hurkacz. “It’s really inspiring how you present yourself on the court, off the court. It’s just really incredible what you have achieved,” Hurkacz said to the winner in the on-court trophy presentations. Djokovic collected his trophy in front of three golden balloons tethered to the court spelling out 1-0-0. Came to Geneva desperate Since the Paris Olympics, he had lost finals at the Shanghai Masters to Jannik Sinner last year, and the Miami Masters to Jakub Mensik in March. Djokovic got much more than the match practice he came to Geneva for. He had fallen to quick exits in April from the previous tournaments he entered in the European clay-court season, at Monte Carlo and Madrid. Djokovic had break-point chances early in the first two sets and did not take them. At 2-2 in the first set, Hurkacz saved the second of back-to-back chances with a powerful service winner. Hurkacz clinched the first set with his only break-point chance when Djokovic double-faulted. Jannik Sinner beats Novak Djokovic to take Shanghai Masters title In the opening game of the second set Hurkacz saved Djokovic's next chance with an overhead winner at the net. In the tiebreaker, Djokovic dominated to force the decider. Hurkacz immediately broke serve again to lead the third set. He got the chance when a low bouncing ball dived under Djokovic’s racket, and took it when the second-seeded Serb sent a forehand long.

Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) comfortably clinched the top slot in the four-day 37th National Age Group Swimming and Diving Competition' 25 securing 70 gold, 62 silver and 32 bronze medals that concluded on Saturday at the Syed Nazrul Islam National Swimming Complex in Mirpur.. Shilaidah Swimming Club finished distant 2nd collecting six gold, five silver and eight bronze medals, Amla Swimming Club of Kustia became 3rd with six gold, two silver and four bronzes while Rajshahi DSA was placed 4th bagging three gold and  two silver medals. BKSP swimmer Jui Akhter (Girls 18-20 years age group) was adjudged the best girls swimmer of the meet winning five gold with two new national records while another BKSP swimmer Monir Khan Tonmoy (Boys 18-20 years age group) named as the best boys swimmer of the meet clinching nine gold and one silver featuring one new national mark.  BPL Football: Dhaka Abahani consolidate claim for runners-up position BSF president and Chief of Bangladesh Navy Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan was the chief guest at the closing function of the four-day meet on Saturday and later he distributed the prizes among the winners. Some 550 promising swimmers of 80 teams from different districts, divisions, swimming clubs and BKSP, divided in five age groups ( U-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-17 and 18 years) , are competing in 100 swimming and four diving events.

Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) comfortably maintained their top slot on the 2nd day of the four-day 37th National Age Group Swimming and Diving Competition' 25 securing 34 gold, 35 silver and 14 bronze at the Syed Nazrul Islam National Swimming Complex in Mirpur on Thursday. A total of 28 events were decided on the 2nd day of the four-day meet in addition to 24 events finalized on the first day (Wednesday). Shilaidah Swimming Club followed the leader distantly with two ne gold, four silver and five bronzes while Bogura Swimming Club are in the 3rd slot with two gold, one silver and three bronze medals. Maisha Akhter Mim, a BKSP swimmer of 15-17 years age group, was the most successful among the girls swimmers winning five gold medals featuring a new national record in the girls 100 meter sprint. BKSP establish absolute supremacy in 37th National Age Group Swimming, Diving Competition on day 1 Nijum Akhter, another BKSP girls swimmer of 13-14 years age group, followed the Maisha Akhter Mim with four gold and two silver medals. BKSP swimmer Mohammad Sujon Miah of 15-17 years age group, dominating the boys group securing three gold and one silver medal. Some 550 promising swimmers of 80 teams from different districts, divisions, swimming clubs and BKSP, divided in five age groups ( U-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-17 and 18 years) , are competing in 100 swimming and four diving events. BKSP emerge unbeaten champions outplaying Kishoreganj in hockey BSF president and Chief of Bangladesh Navy Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan will be the chief guest at the meet's closing function on Saturday and he will distribute the prizes among the winners.

Dhaka, May 21 (UNB)- Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) established absolute supremacy on the first day of the four-day 37th National Age Group Swimming and Diving Competition' 25 that began at the Syed Nazrul Islam National Swimming Complex in Mirpur on Wednesday. The national sports training institute team BKSP topped medal list on the first day (Wednesday) securing 17 gold 17 silver and six bronze medals.  Shilaidah swimming followed the BKSP distantly with one gold, three silver and two bronzes while Bogura Swimming Club are in the 3rd slot with one gold and two bronze medals.  National Men's Handball: Holders Bangladesh Ansar & VDP make flying start beating Joypurhat DSA Earlier, BSF vice president and chairman of the Mia Foundation Mizanur Rahman (Mia Bhai) inaugurated the four-day meet this afternoon at a function, chaired by general secretary of Bangladesh Swimming Federation (BSF)  Mahbubur Rahman Shahin. One new national record was set up in 24 events decided on the first day (Wednesday).  4-day national age group swimming & diving competition begins in Mirpur Maisha Akhter Mim of BKSP made the day's only record in the girls 100-- meter sprint of 15-17 years age group clocking 01. 07: 54 seconds to improve the event's previous timing of 01: 07: 60 seconds made by Najma Khatun of Bangladesh Ansar in 2012. Some 550 promising swimmers of 80 teams from different districts, divisions, swimming clubs and BKSP,  divided in five age groups ( U-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-17 and 18 years) , are competing in 100 swimming and four diving events. BSF president and Chief of Bangladesh Navy Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan will be the chief guest at the meet's closing function on Saturday and he will distribute the prizes among the winners.