Holders Bangladesh made a fying start in the Bangabandhu Cup International Kabaddi outplaying formidable South Korea by 67-22 point with five Lona’s in the inaugural match at the Shaheed Suhrawardy National Indoor Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday.
Twelve countries from the three continents --- Europe, Africa and Asia --are taking part in the 4th edition of the tournament, organised by Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF).
Bangabandhu Cup 2024 International Kabaddi begins Sunday
The participating countries are: Poland ,Kenya Uganda Japan, South Korea, Iraq, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka and hosts Bangladesh.
Earlier in the afternoon, Minister for Youth and Sports Nazmul Hassan Papon, MP, inaugurated the nine-day 12-nation tournament at a colouful opening ceremony as the chief guest by releasing balloons.
Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation president and Inspector General of Bangladesh Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun presided over the opening programme. Federation's general secretary and DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman was also present on the occasion.
4th Bangabandhu Cup 2024 International Kabaddi Tournament begins May 26
Addressing the function, the Sports Minister said, from the ministry they made a short list of important sports and Kabaddi is on that shortlist.
“On the other hand, it's our national game and we have to do well in this game. If we want to start kabaddi from our grassroots level, we will have to start Kabaddi from our educational institutions first.We will work together with Ministry of Education to spread kabaddi across the country. “
In the day' s opening match, hosts Bangladesh dominated the first half 24-11.
Bangladeshi raider Mizanur Rahman emerged as the destroyer for Korea and scored 21 points. Nobody came to challenge Mizan for the crown of the man of the match.
Asian Games Kabaddi: Bangladesh complete assignment with consolation win over Thailand
Bangladesh skipper Arduzzaman Munshi was also found in good form in the match to secure 10 points.
Bangladesh imposed a superb defense line up regularly frustrating the Korean raiders.
Bangladesh will face Malaysia in their second match on Monday at 5:00 pm.
In the day's other matches, Nepal beat Malaysia by 67-30 points with four lonas, Iraq defeated Japan by 50-40 points with three lonas.