United News of Bangladesh

Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju became the youngest chess world champion Thursday after beating the defending champion Ding Liren of China in the final match of their series in Singapore. Dommaraju, 18, secured 7.5 points against 6.5 of his Chinese rival in the contest, surpassing the achievement of Russia’s Garry Kasparov who won the title at the age of 22. The Indian teen prodigy has long been considered a rising star in the chess world after he became a chess grandmaster at 12. He had entered the match as the youngest-ever challenger to the world crown after winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year. After securing victory, Dommaraju burst into tears and raised his arms in celebration. “I was dreaming this moment for the last 10 years. I am happy that I realized the dream (and made it) into reality,” he told reporters after his win. Dommaraju is now the second Indian to win the title after five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand. NFL to play its first regular-season game in 2025 “It’s a proud moment for chess, a proud moment for India... and for me, a very personal moment of pride,” Anand, who has been a mentor to Dommaraju, said in a post on X. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the 18-year-old on his “remarkable accomplishment,” calling it “the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work and unwavering determination.” “His triumph has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but has also inspired millions of young minds to dream big and pursue excellence,” Modi said in a post on X. Thursday’s match was a 14-round long-time classical event with a prize fund of $2.5 million.  

The NFL will play its first regular-season game in Berlin in 2025, the league's fifth game ever in Germany. The game will be played at the Olympic Stadium as part of a multiyear commitment announced Wednesday at the league's winter meetings. The NFL has played regular-season games in Munich and Frankfurt since 2022. “Germany has a rich tradition of American football, and the NFL has a deep history with the city of Berlin,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. “We first held a preseason game at the Olympic Stadium 34 years ago, before it was home to NFL Europe’s Berlin Thunder in the early 2000s. Now, with almost 20 million NFL fans in Germany, we’ll make a historic return to the city playing a regular-season game for the first time as we open the next chapter in our relationship with Berlin.” The NFL played five American Bowl games at the Olympic Stadium between 1990-1994. League executive Peter O’Reilly said the league's goal is to play eight international regular-season games in 2025 and an annual game in Germany is expected. The NFL already has committed to playing two regular-season games in London at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and one game in Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid. “Germany is obviously a major priority market for us,” O'Reilly said. “Twenty million fans and growing in Germany. We’ve seen the passion, you’ve seen the passion, you’ve seen the singing. It’s an important market. And this partnership with Berlin is not just about the game itself. Like every market we go into, it’s about a year-round partnership. It’s about working with the city and the community on building flag football into schools and into clubs in that city, and that’s important for sure. So we’re excited about our plans.”

Bangladesh suffered a 1-6 goals defeat against Malaysia in their last Pool A match and was eliminated from the Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 in Muscat, Oman on Wednesday. Bangladesh Women’s (Under 21) hockey team, which qualified for the first-ever Junior Asia Cup Hockey as the runners-up AHF Cup Tournament held in Singapore last June, suffered huge defeat in all the four Pool A matches of the main draw, also a qualifying tournament for 2025 Women’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup. Bangladesh conceded a humiliating 0-19 goals defeat against China, suffered 1-13 goals defeat against India and conceded 1-2 goals defeat against Thailand in their Pool A matches. In the day's last group match, Zati Alyani made a hattrick scoring three goals. Nur Iman, Nur Shamin and Noor Asyqin scored one each for Malaysia. After conceding five goals in a row, captain Orpita Pal scored the face-saving goal for Bangladesh in the 49th minute from a penalty stroke. Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup: Bangladesh suffer humiliating 19-0 defeat against China However, Bangladesh Men’s Junior Hockey team qualified for the Junior World Cup Hockey to be held in India in December next year as they finished 5th in the just concluded 10-team Men's Junior Asia Cup Hockey also in Oman.  

The Yonex-Sunrise Bangladesh Junior and Senior International Badminton Tournament 2024 is set to kick off at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium in Dhaka on Friday. The Junior Series will take place from December 13 to 16, while the Senior Series is scheduled for December 17 to 21. Leading shuttlers from 19 countries will compete in the tournaments, which are being organised by the Bangladesh Badminton Federation (BBF). BBF Acting President Quamrunnahar Dana shared details of the event at a press conference on Wednesday. A total of 114 players from India, Indonesia, and host nation Bangladesh will compete in the Junior Tournament. West Indies seal series with 7-wicket win over Bangladesh Meanwhile, the Senior Tournament will see 228 participants from 19 countries, including India, Thailand, Myanmar, Canada, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Japan, the Maldives, England, Ukraine, Italy, Finland, Bulgaria, Uganda, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Singapore. Both tournaments will feature five events each for junior and senior categories.  

Bangladesh suffered a humiliating defeat against China in their first appearance in the Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 in Muscat, Oman on Saturday, as they were blanked 19-0.  It is also a qualifying tournament for 2025 Women’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup. Bangladesh are in five-team Pool A of the meet with India, China, Malaysia and  Thailand. Bangladesh team will play their next match against giant neighbour India on Sunday. In what was the day’s opening match, stronger China dominated the first quarter (15 minutes) of the match by 6-0 goals. four goals each in the 2nd and 3rd quarters and five more goals in the last quarter to win the match convincingly. Bangladesh Women’s (Under 21) Hockey team qualified for the first-ever Asia Cup Hockey as they finished runners-up AHF Cup Tournament held in Singapore last June.   Bangladesh Men’s Junior Hockey team qualified for the Junior World Cup Hockey to be held in India next year as they finished 5th in the just concluded 10-team Junior Asia Cup Hockey also in Oman. Bangladesh Men’s Junior team beat China by 6-3 goals in the place deciding match after playing 1-1 draw in their group match.

Bangladesh finished 5th in the 10- team Men's Junior Asia Cup Hockey 2024 beating China by 6-3 goals in the 5th-6th place deciding match in Muscat, Oman on Wednesday.  This was first victory for Bangladesh against China in the ongoing meet after their Group B match ended in 1-1 draw this week. Bangladesh made a history to qualify for the Youth World Cup Hockey for the first time, first of its kind in any format of Hockey, beating Thailand by 7-2 goals in a place-deciding match of the ongoing Junior Asia Cup Hockey on Tuesday. With the feat, Bangladesh finished 3rd in Group B of the ongoing Junior Asia Cup to qualify for the final round  of the next year's Youth World Cup in India as one of the seven best teams of Asia. In the day's match, Amirul Islam made a hattrick scoring three goals in a row in the 31st, 26th and 30th minutes, all from penalty corners while Mohammad Hasan  scored the remaining three field goals in the 1st, 52nd and 60th minutes. China scored three goals in the 11th, 19th and 42nd minutes-- first was field goal and rest two goals from penalty stroke Earlier, Bangladesh beat hosts Oman by 3-1 goals, conceded 0-6 goals defeat against Pakistan, play 1-1 draw with China and 2-2 draw with Malaysia in the group B matches. Bangladesh team will return home on Thursday morning. Meanwhile, President of Bangladesh Hockey Federation and Chief of Bangladesh Air Force will accord a reception to Bangladesh Junior Hockey team to qualify for the Youth World Cup Hockey for the first time Thursday afternoon at the Falcon Hall of Bangladesh Air Force

Lewis Hamilton reflects on an “amazing journey” and the most successful partnership in Formula 1 history as he prepares to part ways with Mercedes and join Ferrari. The transition represents a fresh chapter for the 39-year-old Hamilton, whose final season with Mercedes has been challenging. Ferrari’s initial focus next year will likely be on helping Hamilton regain his top form, reports AP. Kimi Antonelli named as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Formula 1's Mercedes “We’re probably not going to finish on a high,” Hamilton remarked on Sunday after enduring a tough race in Qatar, where he placed 12th following penalties, a puncture, and even discussions with Mercedes about retiring the car. Just two days earlier, he admitted he was “definitely not fast anymore” after another disappointing qualifying session. Hamilton’s last race for Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday marks the end of a 12-year tenure with the team. During this period, he secured six of his seven world championships, the most achieved by any F1 driver with a single team. As an all-time legend and Formula 1’s only Black driver, Hamilton’s influence reaches far beyond the racetrack. Lewis Hamilton, Serena Williams part of bid to buy Chelsea In February, Hamilton stunned the F1 world by announcing his move to Ferrari in 2025 — a decision he even kept from his parents. This upcoming shift has loomed over his season. “I’ve had the whole year to process it, with its highs and lows,” Hamilton reflected last week. “I can’t predict how I’ll feel after the race, the days following, or even during Christmas.” Hamilton shared he would deeply miss the “family” atmosphere at Mercedes, cherishing memories like those with Niki Lauda, the late F1 champion instrumental in bringing him to the team. “There’ve been so many special moments, including with Niki — incredible conversations and even arguments,” he said. “This journey has been truly amazing and one I’ve genuinely loved.” Hamilton recalled the challenges of switching teams, recounting a moment in 2013 when he mistakenly stopped at McLaren’s pit during his early days at Mercedes. “It was strange passing my old team in the pit lane, to the point I stopped there once,” he recalled. This season brought emotional highs, such as his triumphant win at the British Grand Prix, ending a 945-day drought, and his victory in Belgium following George Russell’s disqualification. However, Hamilton has struggled since, finishing behind Russell in 10 of the last 12 races, including sprints. Qualifying has posed significant difficulties for Hamilton, forcing him to recover positions on race day. “When you’re consistently starting far back on the grid, it’s almost impossible to compete for wins,” he admitted last week. Hamilton will forego a chance to test the Ferrari at this season’s end due to his Mercedes contract. However, he expressed mixed feelings about beginning his Ferrari career that way. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur wanted Hamilton to drive the car in Abu Dhabi, but Hamilton preferred a private introduction at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track next year. “Driving the red car for the first time in Abu Dhabi didn’t excite me,” Hamilton said. “In an ideal scenario, you’d drive without being seen and do a proper rollout next year. Am I missing out? Certainly.”

Bangladesh made their first -ever Youth World Cup Hockey berth beating Thailand by 7-2 goals in a place-deciding match of the ongoing Junior Asia Cup Hockey held in Oman on Tuesday. With the day's feat, Bangladesh finished 3rd in Group B of the Junior Asia Cup to qualify for the final round  of the next year's Youth World Cup Hockey  in India as one of the seven best teams in Asia. Bangladesh will now play the 5th-6th place deciding match against the winners of Korea and China on Wednesday- which will not affect their Youth World Cup berth. Chief Adviser congratulates Bangladesh Blind Cricket Team Bangladesh never lost any match against Thailand at national level or junior level. In the day's vital match, Mohammad Joy put Bangladesh ahead in the 3rd minute by a field goal (1-0), Amirul Islam doubled the margin in the 6th minute from a penalty corner (2-0) Mohammad Abdullah scored the 3rd goal for Bangladesh in the 16th minute (3-0) while Kritsada pulled the Thai margin one back scoring a goal in the 30th minute  from a penalty corner (3-1).   Mohammad Hasan again sounded the Bangladesh Margin in the 34th minute, also by  a field goal (4-1) while Kritsana reduced the Thai margin in the 35th minute from a penalty corner (4-2). Mohammad Khan, Mohammad Joy and Mohammad Abdullah scored three more field goals in the 36th,  38th and 49th minutes respectively enabling Bangladesh to reach their dream target. Earlier, Bangladesh beat hosts Oman by 3-1 goals, conceded 0-6 goals defeat against Pakistan, play 1-1 draw with China and 2-2 draw with Malaysia in the group B matches. Bangladesh team will return home on Thursday morning.  

Bangladesh keep their hope alive to play in the Junior World Cup Hockey after playing 2-2 draw with stronger Malaysia in a keenly contested 3rd group match of the 10-team Junior Asia Cup Hockey held in Muscat, Oman on Saturday. Bangladesh, which beat hosts Oman and lost to Pakistan in two previous matches, will play China in their 4th and last group match on Sunday to decide their fate. Read: Jr AHF Cup Hockey: Bangladesh Men's team clinch title for record 3rd time beating China After the day's match, Bangladesh are in the 3rd slot in five-team group B with four points after Pakistan (9 points) and Malaysia ( 7 points). Six top teams of the ongoing Jr Asia Cup alongside hosts India will play in the next year's Junior World Cup. In the day's match, Danish Daniel secord first for Malaysia in the very 2nd minute while Amirul Islam leveled margin for Bangladesh in the 27th minute from a penalty corner (1-1). Bangladesh took lead from behind in the 36th minute by Mohammad Hasan's goal (2-1) while Muhammad Norizam equalized the match in the 40th minute (3-2).    

Right-arm pacer Sumon Khan bagged seven wickets with a hat-trick in the ongoing sixth round of the National Cricket League (NCL), and it led to a record collapse of Rajshahi Division, who lost all wickets in just 42 runs against Dhaka Division at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura on Saturday. Sumon took two wickets in his first over, and he continued his dominance throughout the innings. The 24-year-old pacer wrapped up Rajshahi’s innings in dramatic fashion, securing his maiden first-class hat-trick by dismissing Asaduzzaman LBW, becoming the 15th Bangladeshi bowler to achieve this milestone in first-class cricket. Tilak Varma creates history with 3rd consecutive T20 century Before Sumon, 14 other bowlers registered hat-tricks in NCL, with Sohag Gazi and Elius Sunny each doing it twice.  Sumon’s heroics also brought Rajshahi their lowest-ever first-class score, surpassing the previous record of 46 runs set by Barishal against Khulna last season.Rajshahi’s batters had no answer to Sumon’s relentless pace and swing. Their highest scorer, Meherob Hossain, managed just 18 runs, while only one other batter, Sabbir Hossain, reached double figures.