Hosts Bangladesh smartly clinched the 12-nation Bangabandhu Cup International Kabaddi title for the fourth time in a row with an all-win record, beating the Himalayan nation Nepal by 45-31 points with two lonas in the final at the Shaheed Suhrawardy National Indoor Stadium in Mirpur on Monday.
With the day's feat, Bangladesh established their absolute supremacy in the Bangabandhu Cup Kabaddi, named after the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, winning all the four trophies.
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This was also the second consecutive victory for Bangladesh against Nepal in the ongoing match, after beating the Himalayan nation first by 46-31 points in a Group A match last Friday.
Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel witnessed the day's final as the chief guest, and later he distributed the trophies. State Minister for Cultural Affairs Nahid Ezahar Khan was also present on the occasion as a special guest.
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The IGP of Bangladesh Police, the President of Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation, Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, the General Secretary of Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation, and DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman were also present on the occasion.
In the day's final, Bangladesh clearly dominated the first half by 24–10 points against Nepal.
Arduzzaman Munshi, the charismatic Bangladesh skipper, who retired from the international Kabaddi on Monday, opened the Bangladesh account in the very first raid.
Later, he was adjudged the man of the match.
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Besides, Mizanur Rahman of Bangladesh was named the best raider, Mohammad Roman Hossain of Bangladesh was named the best catcher, and Nepalese raider Ghanshyam Roka Magar was adjudged the best player of the tournament.
In the day's match, technical efficiency and the height advantage helped Bangladesh stamp their authority over their Himalayan rivals, who failed to rise on occasion.
Bangladesh won their first Lona in the eighth minute to take a 11-point lead over Nepal when the scoreline was 13-2.
Nepal countered with their ace raider, Ghanshyam Roka Magar; however, the Bangladesh defence succeeded in sending him out in his second attempt.
Bangladesh raiders continued their dominance over Nepal, gaining regular bonus points when they were not attaining the kick or toe touches.
The men in red and green attained their second lona, while the scoreline was 29-12. Nepal, however, showed their trade mark fighting back in the second half, but Bangladesh kept the boat steady. Nepal earned one Lona in the middle of the second half.
Earlier in the semifinals, Bangladesh outplayed Thailand by 41-18 points with three lonas, while Nepal, coming from behind, beat two-time runners-up Kenya by 9-5 (59-55) points in the tiebreaker as the match was locked in 50-50 points in the stipulated period.
Bangladesh emerged as Group A champions to reach the semifinals with an all-win record, securing a full ten points from five matches, while Nepal managed a semifinal berth as the Group A runners-up with eight points from five outings.
Roll of Honour
Year ... Champion.... ...... Runners up
2021 : Bangladesh....... Kenya
2022.... Bangladesh........ Kenya
2023.... Bangladesh....... Chinese Taipei
2024..... Bangladesh........ Nepal