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Victory Day Handball advance to final stage
The Walton Victory Day Men’s and Women’s Handball Tournaments advanced to the finals at the Shaheed Capt (Retd) M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium here on Thursday.
Both the finals will be held on Saturday (Dec 25) morning at the same venue.
Bangladesh Ansar & VDP will play Jamalpur Sports Academy in the Women’s final at 10 am while Bangladesh Ansar & VDP will face Boarder Guard Bangladesh in the men’s final at 11:30 am on Saturday at the same venue.
Also read: Victory Day Handball Tournanent underway
In the day’s men’s first semifinal, Bangladesh Ansar & VDP defeated Tetulia Upazila Sports Association of Panchagarh by 36-17 goal after leading the first half by 13-11 goal.
In the day’s 2nd semifinal, Jamalpur Sports Academy eliminated Bangladesh Police Handball Club by 27-21 goal after dominating the first half by 13-9 goal.
Also read: Youth Handball: Panchagarh emerge champions beating Naogoan
UK study makes case for AstraZeneca boosters
A third dose of both the AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines significantly increased the immune response to the omicron variant, according to a new study by University of Oxford researchers.
The laboratory study, which hasn’t been peer reviewed yet, compared antibody levels in blood samples from people who received two doses of vaccine with samples from those who had received a third dose.
While two doses provided much less protection against omicron than earlier variants, levels of neutralizing antibodies rose sharply after a third dose, the study found.
Also read: Boosters key to fight omicron, lot still to learn
“In summary, neutralization titres against omicron are boosted following a third vaccine dose, meaning that the campaign to deploy booster vaccines should add considerable protection against omicron infection,” the researchers wrote.
The study also found that unvaccinated people who had recovered from COVID-19 probably have “little protection from reinfection with omicron,” though they may have some protection against serious illness.
Also read: Moderna: Initial booster data shows good results on omicron
Champs Trophy: Korea clinch title beating Japan 4-2 in tiebreaker
South Korea emerged as the new king of the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy beating Japan by 4-2 goals in a tiebreaker at Maulana Bhashani National Stadium here on Wednesday.
They clinched the title of the 6th edition of the five-nation Hero Men’s Asian Champions Trophy Hockey’ 2021 beating Japan in penalty shootout as the final match between two teams was locked in 3-3 goals in the stipulated period.
READ: Champs Trophy Hockey: India finish 3rd beating Pakistan 4-3
The two finalists also played 3-3 draw in the round robin league stage of the meet.
South Korean veteran defender Jang Jong Hyun, who made a hat-trick against India in the semifinal scoring four goals, emerged as the highest scorer of the championship, bagging 10 goals while Indian defender Harmanpreet Singh followed him with eight goals.
Earlier in the 3rd place deciding play-off match, India finished 3rd beating their traditional sub-continental rivals Pakistan by 4-3 goals Wednesday afternoon.
After the day’s seven goals thriller, India clinched the bronze medal of the Asian Champions Trophy Hockey’21 after lifting the bronze medal in this year’s Tokyo Olympics.
India also defeated Pakistan by 3-1 goals in the round robin league stage of the ongoing meet to finish top of the points table, securing nine points in four matches with three wins and a draw against Korea.
Two joint champions of the last meet in 2018 and the South Asian giants of the Asian Hockey India and Pakistan miserably eliminated from the continental hockey in the semifinals last Tuesday.
Japan emerged as surprise finalists stunning hot favorite India by 5-3 goals while Korea entered the final frustrating Pakistan by 6-5 goals in keenly contested semis.
In the day’s play-off, Harmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Varun Kumar and Akashdeep Singh scored one each for India while Arfraz Khan, Abdul Rana and Nadeem contributed one each for Pakistan.
Indian captain Manpreet Singh was adjudged the player of the match displaying his brilliance in the midfield of the match.
Champs Trophy Hockey: India finish 3rd beating Pakistan 4-3
India finished 3rd in the 6th edition of the five-nation Hero Men’s Asian Champions Trophy Hockey’ 2021 beating their traditional sub-continental rivals by 4-3 goals in a 3rd place play-off match at Maulana Bhashani National Stadium here on Wednesday. After the day’s seven goals thriller, India clinched the bronze medal of the Asian Champions Trophy Hockey’21 after lifting the bronze medal in this year’s Tokyo Olympics. Earlier, India also defeated Pakistan by 3-1 goals in the round robin league stage of the ongoing meet to finish top of the points table, securing nine points in four matches with three wins and a draw against Korea. Two joint champions of the last meet in 2018 and the South Asian giants of the Asian Hockey India and Pakistan miserably eliminated from the continental hockey in the semifinals on Tuesday. Japan emerged as surprise finalists stunning hot favorite India by 5-3 goals while Korea entered the final frustrating Pakistan by 6-5 goals in keenly contested semis. In the day’s play-off, Harmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Varun Kumar and Akashdeep Singh scored one each for India while Arfraz Khan, Abdul Rana and Nadeem contributed one each for Pakistan. Indian captain Manpreet Singh was adjudged the player of the match displaying his brilliance in the mid field of the match.
Christmas Traditions in European Football Leagues
December signifies the beginning of worldwide preparations for the New Year and Christmas celebrations. However, western countries are the most opulent in terms of celebration because of the great number of Christians. Christmas is observed across Europe by the cultures and customs of various countries. Football matches on Boxing Day are quite popular in the United Kingdom. However, other European football leagues take winter break during this time of the year. Let's have a look at how major football leagues in Europe celebrate Christmas.
Football Leagues in Europe at Christmas
Premier League football has recently taken up a large part of England's Christmas celebrations. Therefore, footballers in the English Premier League find it difficult to spend Christmas with their families. Though players from other European leagues spend quality time with their families. Let's look at some of the major leagues over the holiday season.
Read Akram to stay in his BCB position for now, next decision on Dec 24: Nazmul
Christmas in the Premier League of England
During the Christmas season, the English Premier League is the only football competition that takes place. Players don't get a vacation over the holidays because many league games are planned around Christmas and New Year's Day.
English teams used to play football games on Christmas Day in the past, but this habit changed in the 1950s, as December 25 was designated as a family day only. As a result, Boxing Day football became a tradition in the United Kingdom.
Premier League teams that play on Boxing Day must practice on Christmas Day in order to stay sharp. Teams normally practice twice as much for away games, and they also travel on Christmas Eve to stay overnight. Teams who are lucky enough to be playing at home on Boxing Day typically have a morning workout so that they may spend time with their family for the Christmas party.
Read Bangladesh-New Zealand Test Series: Three Inspiring Knocks From Bangladeshi Batters
It is tough for Premier League players to adjust to the custom. Players frequently have to practice when many families in the UK are enjoying a traditional Christmas feast since they have crucial matches throughout the festive season. It is always chilly at this time of year, and rain, snow, and hail are common. Players from all clubs usually visit local hospitals during the Christmas period.
Christmas in Europe's Other Major Leagues
Unlike England, all of Europe's major leagues are closed for two weeks over the holiday season. Though, fans from those leagues have increased their voices to have football matches scheduled at this time so that they may enjoy like the way British fans do in the English Premier League.
Boxing Day has always attracted the interest of coaches in other European football leagues. In 2018, the Italian Serie A attempted to schedule several matches around the Christmas season. However, their efforts did not go as planned. The stadium attendance and the broadcast audience were both low for the fixtures. The lack of a winter break harmed players' performance and increased their risks of becoming injured.
Read Champions Trophy Hockey: Korea V Japan final after South Asian favourites eliminated
A few months later, Serie A declared that the usual two-week Christmas vacation break will be resumed. In this regard, there are also cultural and customary reasons for not holding matches during holiday seasons.
Footballers, like everyone else, enjoy a pleasant holiday with their loved ones because there are no football games over the Christmas season.
Bottom Line
People in Europe get plenty of time to celebrate because of the Christmas and New Year holidays. Therefore, the English Football League usually plans to host a large number of games at the time. Footballers are likewise preoccupied with preparation for the match after spending time with their families on Christmas Day, and as a consequence, they do not have much time to enjoy. On the other hand, footballers in other European leagues usually go for a vacation with their family to spend Christmas because of winter break. Overall, the Christmas season is a happy occasion for everybody in Europe.
Read Top 10 Most Memorable Football Moments of 2021
Champions Trophy Hockey: Korea V Japan final after South Asian favourites eliminated
Japan and South Korea stormed into the final of the 6th edition of the Hero Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2021, shocking joint defending champions India and Pakistan in nerve shattering semifinals at the Maulana Bhashani National Stadium here on Tuesday.
South Korea will play Japan in the final on Wednesday at 6 pm while two traditional subcontinental rivals India and Pakistan will meet each other in the 3rd place deciding match earlier at 3:30 pm at the same venue.
The round robin match between the finalists had ended in an exciting 3-3 draw, while India beat Pakistan 3-1 when they met in the group phase.
In the day’s first semifinal, South Korea eliminated former World and Olympics Champions Pakistan 6-5 in an 11-goal thriller, featuring four goals by Jang Jong Hyun.
Korea and Pakistan had qualified for the semifinals in 2nd and 3rd slots respectively with only one win, against hosts Bangladesh.
Read: Both semis of Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tuesday
In the day’s 2nd semi, India, the Olympics bronze medalists and only unbeaten team in the ongoing meet, made their exit from the prestigious Asian meet after suffering their first defeat losing to Japan 5-3 in Tuesday’s second semifinal.
With the day’s well-merited victory, Japan not only qualified for the final of the prestigious meet for the first time since 2013 with their first victory against India after suffering 17 consecutive defeats, but also took sweet revenge for a 6-0 drubbing in the league stage of this year’s meet.
In the keenly contested first semis, captain Umar Bhutta put Pakistan ahead in the very 3rd minute with a spectacular field goal (1-0) while Jang Jong Hyun leveled the margin for Korea in the 11th minute from penalty stroke (1-1)
In the following minute, Jang Jong Hyun put Korea ahead from behind scoring his 2nd goal, also from a penalty stoke to lead the first quarter (2-1) . Korea got penalty stroke when Shakil Butt of Pakistani pushed a Korean player inside the D area.
Junaid Manzoor of Pakistan neutralized the match in the 22nd minute tapping ball home (2-2).
Jang Jong Hyun of Korea completed hat-trick in the 24th minute from penalty corner (3-2).
Afroz again leveled Pakistan margin in the 29th minute by a field goal after playing discipline game (3-3) while Jihun Yang of Korea again neutralized the match from a penalty corner in the dying moment of the 2nd quarter (4-3) .
Junwoo Jeong further sounded the Korean margin in the dying moment of the 3rd quarter by a field goal utilizing a lapse of Pakistani defender Mubashar Ali (5-3).
Mubashar Ali reduced the Pakistan margin in the 47th minute by a penalty corner (5-4).
The match turned into an exciting stage when Mubashar Ali leveled the margin in the 51st minute converting another penalty corner (5-5).
But lady luck finally smiled on Korea when their hattrick maker Jang Jong Hyun hit the match-winner scoring his 4th goal in the 55th minute (6-5) to the frustration of former World and Olympics champions Pakistan.
Jang was adjudged the man of the match.
Read: Asian Champions Trophy Hockey: Pakistan play 3-3 draw with Korea
Besides, Korean goalie Jaehyeon Kim also deserved appreciation for foiling a good number of Pakistani attempts.
In the second semi, Japan took advantage of a fast start, quickly racing to a 2-0 lead in the first quarter. Although India quickly clawed a goal back in the second quarter, Japan earned a penalty just before half-time that Kirishita converted to restore the 2-goal advantage.
The third quarter proved fatal for India, as Japan again came flying out of the blocks and scored twice, through Kosei Kawabe and then Ooka.
Although the Indians tried to mount a brave comeback in the final quarter, it was never going to be enough, except for restoring some pride to the scoresheet, as the game ended 5-3 to Japan.
Bangabandhu Volleyball: Nepal, Kyrgyzstan arrive in capital
Two foreign teams -- Nepal and Kyrgyzstan --arrived here on Monday to join the six-nation Bangabandhu Asian Central Zone Challenge Cup Volleyball Championship, beginning on Thursday.
Six participating countries -- Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and host Bangladesh — will compete in the six-day meet in men’s and women’s sections at Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium in Mirpur.
READ: Premier Volleyball: Holders Titas Club to play PDB in final on Wednesday
All the six teams will compete in the women’s section while five teams, except Kyrgyzstan, will participate in the men’s section of the meet.
Bangladesh Men’s team finished runners-up in the championship held in Dhaka in 2018 while Bangladesh Women’s team was placed 4th in the next year’s meet.
Both semis of Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tuesday
Both the semifinals of the 6th edition Hero Men’s Asian Champions Trophy Hockey’ 2021 will be held on Tuesday at the Maulana Bhashani National Stadium here. Joint champions Pakistan will take on Korea in the first semifinal at 3:30 pm while other joint champions India will play relatively weaker Japan in other semis at 6 pm. Japan never beat India in their last 17 meetings and conceded a huge 0-9 goals defeat against India in their last match in the ongoing Champions Trophy while Korea drew 3-3 with Pakistan in their last match.
READ: Asian Champions Trophy: Pakistan beat Bangladesh to book last SF slot
India finished top in the five-team fray to reach the semifinal in style with unbeaten record securing 10 points from all the four league basis matches with three wins and a draw. On the way to the semifinal, India crushed hosts Bangladesh 9-0, beat Pakistan 3-1 and Japan by 5-0 goals after playing 2-2 draw with Korea in their opening match. Pakistan managed a semifinal berth as they finished 3rd in the five team fray securing five points from four matches with one win and two draws. Pakistan beat Bangladesh 6-2, drew 3-3 with Korea, played goalless with Japan and lost to their arch-rivals India 1-3.
READ: Asian Champions Trophy Hockey: Pakistan play 3-3 draw with Korea Korea was placed 2nd to reach the semifinal of the five-team meet securing six points from four matches with one win and three draws after beating Bangladesh by 3-2 goals and played 2-2 draw with India, 3-3 draw with Japan and 3-3 draw with Pakistan.
Victory Day Handball Tournanent underway
The Walton Victory Day (Men’s & Women’s) Handball Tournament’ 2021 began on Monday at the Shaheed (Capt) M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium in the capital.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan Russell MP inaugurated meet, organized by Bangladesh Handball Federation (BHF) marking the 50th Victory Day.
Senior Executive Director of the meet’s sponsor Walton Hi-Teach Industries Ltd FM Iqbal bin Anwar Dawn was present as special guest. BHF general secretary Asaduzzaman Kohinoor, Tournament Committee Chairman Lt Col (Retd) Sirajul Islam and Tournament Secretary M Jahangir Hossain were also present.
READ: Youth Handball: Panchagarh emerge champions beating Naogoan
In the opening match, Jamalpur Sports Academy beat Dhaka Divisional Sports Association by 47-18 goals in the women’s competition after leading the first half by 27-6 goals.
In the day’s another match, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) outplayed Jamalpur Sports Academy by 52-9 goals in the men’s competition after clearly dominating the first half by 33-2 goals.
READ: Youth Handball: Dhaka emerge champions beating Bandarban by 37-29 goal
In the day’s other women’s group matches, Bangladesh Ansar & VDP defeated Jamalpur Sports Academy by 31-19 goals (first half 19-8) and Bangladesh Police Handball Club beat Naogaon Badalgachi Labonnya Prova Pilot & Community Girls High School by 27-18 goals (first half 16-6).
Asian Champions Trophy: Pakistan beat Bangladesh to book last SF slot
India and Pakistan gave notice of the quality in their ranks ahead of the semifinals of the five-nation Hero Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2021, scoring 12 goals between them in their last league matches at the Maulana Bhashani National Stadium here on Sunday.
It meant India finished top in the five-team fray while reaching the semifinals in style, crushing Japan 6-0 on Sunday afternoon, while Pakistan booked their berth in the last four by completing the formality of defeating hosts Bangladesh, which they too did in style winning 6-2 Sunday evening.
India will play 2nd semifinal against 4th placed Japan on Tuesday (Dec 21) at 6 pm while Korea will play the first semifinal against Pakistan at 3:30 pm on the same day and same venue.
The final match will be held on Wednesday at 6 pm at the same venue.
In the days first match, Harmanpreet Singh struck two in the 10th and 53rd minutes, both from penalty corners, Dilpreet Singh, Jarmnanpreet Singh, Sumit and Shamsher Singh scored one goal each for the India in the 23rd, 34th, 46th and 54th minutes respectively.
The bronze medalists of this year Tokyo Olympics India finished top in the five-team Asian meet with unbeaten run securing 10 points from four matches with three wins and a 2-2 draw against Korea. They also scored a whopping 20 goals along the way.
In the day’s 2nd match, Nadeem and Ahmed struck two goals each and Afraz and Razzaq scored one each for Pakistan while Arshad scored both the goals for Bangladesh