United News of Bangladesh

The 12-nation Bangabandhu Cup' 2024 International Kabaddi Tournament,  named after father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, begins here on Sunday (May 26) at the Shaheed Suhrawardy National Indoor Stadium in Mirpur. Minister for Youth and Sports Nazmul Hasan Papon MP will inaugurate the nine-day meet Sunday afternoon through an opening  ceremony, to be chaired by President of Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF) and Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun. Twelve countries from the three continents --- Europe, Africa and Asia --will  participate in the 4th edition of the tournament, organised by Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF). Mushfiqur, Miraz, and Saifuddin join Bangladesh Tigers camp Participating countries are:  Poland ,Kenya, Uganda, Japan, South Korea, Iraq, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka and hosts Bangladesh. The trophy unveiling ceremony of the tournament in presence of the captains of 12 participating countries was held  Saturday afternoon at the tournament venue-- Shaheed Suhrawardy National Indoor Stadium in Mirpur. Last three times champions and hosts Bangladesh will play last two World Cup semifinalists South Korea in one of the four opening day's matches, will kick-off at 4:pm on Sunday. Nepal will face Malaysia at 5: pm, Japan will meet Iraq at 6 pm while Thailand will encounter Uganda at 7 pm in the other opening day's fixture. Meanwhile, all the foreign teams  have already arrived in Dhaka to participate in the meet. Japan, South Korea and Uganda are participating in the tournament for the first time. The grouping and fixtures of the meet was also finalized in the manager's meeting on Saturday (May 25). AI takes big stage in ICC’s T20 World Cup coverage Groupings:  Group A -Bangladesh, Nepal, Poland, Indonesia, Malaysia and South Korea. Group B - Iraq, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda and Japan. On completion of the group matches on June 1, the top two teams from each of the groups will play semifinal on June 2. The tournament will conclude on June 3 with the final match.

The Saif Powertek 36th National Age Group Swimming and Diving Competition will begin on Saturday at the Syed Nazrul Islam National Swimming Complex in Mirpur. President of Bangladesh Swimming Federation (BSF) and Chief of Bangladesh Navy Admiral M Nazmul Hasan will inaugurate the four- day competition at a simple ceremony on Saturday at 4 pm. Managing Director of the meet's sponsor Saif Powertec and BSF Vice President Tarafder M Ruhul Amin will also be present as special guest. A total of 550 Budding-Swimmers from 65 Teams will participate in the 100 swimming- and three diving age group events, five each for the Boys and Girls - U-10 years, 11-12, 13-14,:15-17 and 18-20 years age groups. General Secretary of BSF M B Saif disclosed the details of the competitions at a press conference at the Dutch Bangla Auditorium of the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) on Wednesday.

Defending champions WFM Noshin Anjum and WFM Wadifa Ahmed of Bangladesh Navy are jointly leading the Walton 42nd National Women's Chess Championship securing full two points after the 2nd round matches held at Bangladesh Chess Federation Hall-Room here on Tuesday. In the day's 2nd round matches, WFM Noshin Anjum beat WIM Rani Hamid of Bangladesh Ansar, WFM Wadifa Ahmed beat her teammate WCM Kazi Zarin Tasnim, WIM Sharmin Sultana Shirin of Bangladesh Ansar beat Neelava Choudhury of Narail, WCM Ahmed Walijah beat Tabassum Sadia Shahjahan and WFM Warsia Khusbu of Bangladesh Navy beat WCM Israt Jahan Diba of Gopalganj. Dubai Global Chess:Bangladeshi IM Fahad Rahman beats Kazak WIM Nurman Alua in 3rd round The day's other match between WFM Jannatul Ferdous of Bangladesh Police and WCM Nusrat Jahan Alo of Cumilla was in progress till last report received. The 3rd round matches will be held on Wednesday (May 22) from 3:00 pm at the same venue. Asia Pacific Deaf Chess: Shahin of Bangladesh crowned unbeaten champion

In a country where cricket and football dominate the sports scene, boxing often goes unnoticed. Yet, Muhammad Utshob Ahmed, a young boxer from Rajshahi, is breaking barriers and putting Bangladesh on the global boxing map. For the first time, a Bangladeshi professional boxer has qualified to compete under the prestigious World Boxing Council (WBC). Utshob, a 19-year-old fighter, will contend for the WBC Asia Silver Super Flyweight title against India's top contender, 32-year-old Mazhar Hussain. This historic match is scheduled for May 25 at the InterContinental Dhaka during the "Beximco Xcel Boxing Championship (XBC) 3.0," according to a media release. The WBC is one of the four major international boxing organizations, and its belts are among the most prestigious in the sport. While Bangladesh has already seen its first professional boxing star in Suro Krishna Chakma, who competes in the Lightweight category, Utshob is making waves in the Flyweight division. He is one of the youngest boxers from Bangladesh to step onto the global stage. Bangladeshi Jinnat wins gold medal in Nelson Mandela Cup International Boxing In the world of boxing, championship belts are hotly contested and must be defended or relinquished regularly. Currently, the Silver Super Flyweight belt is vacant, providing an opportunity for Utshob and Mazhar to claim it. Through XBC Xcel Sports Management & Promotions, Utshob earned his shot at the title. Ranked 99th out of 784 in the world in the flyweight division, Utshob's impressive record includes eight bouts, totaling 28 rounds, with 37.5% of his fights ending in knockouts. He has zero losses and eight straight victories, making him a formidable contender. Utshob's journey to professional boxing began on May 19, 2022. Raised without a father, Utshob was supported by his maternal family, with his mother, Ayesha Khatun, being his sole provider. His passion for boxing was evident from a young age, starting his first fight at seven. Recognizing his talent, Utshob's uncle enrolled him at Bangladesh Ansar VDP in Shafipur for training. There, his skills caught the attention of Kancho Robert McInnes, president of the World Kumite Organization. Hanoi Chess: IM Fahad Rahman earns first GM norm Financial hardships were a constant challenge, but Utshob's determination never wavered. Xcel Sports Management & Promotions saw his potential and provided the support he needed to advance. Utshob faced and defeated many of Bangladesh’s rising boxers, including notable victories at the BoxStar Series 1 tournament and the Path to Glory event. His most significant victory came against the undefeated Indian Bantamweight, Pawan Kumar Arya, in a unanimous decision at Beximco XBC 2. Utshob has also won a gold medal at the first Bangabandhu Boxing Competition in 2018, a silver medal at the Bangladesh Youth Games, and a gold medal at the 22nd Junior Boxing Competition. XBC, in collaboration with WBC Asia, is arranging the first-ever WBC Asia Title match in Bangladesh. Alongside Utshob’s highly anticipated bout, other national boxers will face international contenders from China, France, India, Iran, Thailand, and Turkey. Boxing enthusiasts can watch the event live at the venue or tune in to T Sports and Bongo for live coverage. The event runs from 6 pm to 11 pm. Read more: Sura Krishna shines at ‘Path to Glory: Hustle in Dhaka Square’ boxing tournament

The Independence and National Day Volleyball Tournament 2024 organised by Bangladesh Volleyball Federation (BVF), will begin on Saturday (May 18) at Shaheed Noor Hossain National Volleyball Stadium in Dhaka. Director General of BKSP Brigadier General Syed Mohammad Motahar Hossain will inaugurate the eight-day competition as the chief guest on Saturday afternoon. Walton-BSPA Sports Carnival' 2024 begins Tuesday Eleven teams, divided into groups A and B, will initially compete in the first phase of the tournament. The participating teams are: Group A- Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, Border Guard Bangladesh, Bangladesh Ansar & VDP,  Bangladesh Jail,  U-20 National Team. Bangladesh Archery team leaves for Bhutan to participate in 2024 Bhutan Grand Prix 2nd edition Group B- Power Development Board, Bangladesh Air Force,  Titas Club, Bangladesh Police,  Fire Service and Civil Defense.

The Walton- Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA) Sports Carnival '2024, sponsored by Walton Hi-Tech Industries, will begin here on Tuesday (May 14) at the Bangabandhu National Stadium (BNS) and the adjoining venues. Some 100 BSPA members will compete in 10 events of the seven disciplines of sports.--Carom (singles and doubles), Table Tennis (singles and doubles), Chess, Shooting, Archery and Bridge (call bridge and twenty nine). The sports carnival will begin with carom competition at the BSPA office at BNS Tuesday morning.  Senior Executive Director of the meet's sponsor Walton Group FM Iqbal Bin Anwar will inaugurate the meet at 11:am Top officials of BSPA disclosed the details of the meet at a press conference at the BNS conference room here on Sunday.  BSPA President Riwanuzzaman Rajib,  general  secretary Samon Hossain,  Senior Executive Director of the meet's sponsor Walton Group FM Iqbal Bin Anwar and Chairman  of the BSPA Sports Committee Kazi Shahidul Alam spoke on the occasion. The best sportsman of the meet will be honoured  with Abdul Mannan Laru trophy and prize money. Besides, two runner- up will also be awarded with trophy and prize money while the event's champions  will be awarded with crest and prize money. END/UNB/MMK/FH  

The World Athletics Day and World Kids Athletics Day, organised by Bangladesh Athletics Federation (BAF) observed in Bangladesh at the Bangladesh Krira Sikkha Protishtan (BKSP) in Savar on Friday. Director General of BKSP Brigadier General Syed Mohammad Motahar Hossain was the chief guest in the day's rally and in the discussion meeting on this occasion. BPL Football:Dhaka Abahani drops points with Police FC Presided by Md. Faruqul Islam, BKSP Director (Sports) Col M Mizanur Rahman was present as the special guest at the function, Earlier, BAF general secretary Advocate Abdur Rakib Montu delivered a welcome speech highlighting the significance of the day. 4th T20I: Tigers go from 101/0 to 143 all out World Athletics Day is celebrated across the World on May 7, but the member countries of the world body have an opportunity to observe the day at a suitable time in May.

An eight-member Bangladesh National Archery team left Dhaka for Bhutan Thursday  afternoon to participate in the 2024 Bhutan Grand Prix 2nd Edition beginning in the Bhutanese capital Thimphu on Friday. Three compound men's archers, three compound women's archers and two trainers accompanied the Bangladesh team to compete in the three- day meet. Members of Bangladesh Archery team are: Mohammad Ashiquzzaman, Newaz Ahmed Rakib, Mohammad Sohel Rana (Men's Archers), Bonnya Akter, Puspita Zaman, Joyti Islam (Women's Archers), Mohammad Hasan and Imdadul Haque Milon (Trainers).

Bangladeshi International Master Mohammad Fahad Rahman beat WIM Nurman Alua of Kazakhstan in the 3rd round match of the Dubai Police Global Chess Challenge, Masters event held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates Monday night. In the 3rd round match,  IM Fahad Rahman played with white pieces against WIM Nurman Alua’s Sicilian Defense system and won the match at 48th moves. After the 3rd round matches, IM Fahad Rahman shared the 3rd slot with 31 other players securing 2 points each from three matches. Fahad Rahman playing against GM Vakhidov Jakhongir of Uzbekistan in the 4th round match that began at 7 pm Bangladesh time on Tuesday.

The 4th Bangabandhu Cup International Kabaddi Tournament ' 2024, organised by Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation, named after father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, begins here on May 24.  Some 12 nations--Poland, Kenya, South Korea, Japan, Pakistan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Nepal and hosts Bangladesh --are likely to participate in the 12-day meet, to be held at the Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium in Mirpur. Hosts Bangladesh emerged champions in all the three previous occasions since its inception in 2021. Bangladesh clinched the six-nation title in 2021  beating Kenya by 34-28 points, lifting 2nd title of the 8-nation meet in 2022 also beating Kenya by 34-31 points while winning the 3rd consecutive title of the 12-nation meet in 2023 beating Chinese Taipei by 42-28 points.  An inter- ministerial meeting was held on Monday in this regard.