State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque today said 'Arafat Rahman Para Sports Village' will be constructed in Bogura and new galleries will be built around the football ground to facilitate spectators.
He made the announcement at a prize distribution ceremony following the exciting final of a football tournament between Bogura City Corporation and Bogura Sadar Upazila at the football ground adjoining Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura. The tournament was jointly organized by the Bogura district administration and the district sports association.
Bogura City Corporation clinched the title, beating Bogura Sadar Upazila 5-4 on penalties after the regulation time ended in a goalless draw. The champions received Taka 3 lakh, while the runners-up got Taka 1.5 lakh, along with trophies.
The State Minister said the government is working at the grassroots level to establish sports as a profession. Playgrounds are being developed at the union level and mini-stadiums at the upazila level as part of the initiative.
He sought cooperation from all to spread sports across the country and keep the younger generation away from digital-device addiction and build a drug-free society.
The final remained goalless after 90 minutes before going into a penalty shootout. Both teams were level at 4-4 after the first five kicks, forcing the match into sudden death.
Bogura City Corporation scored from its next spot kick, while goalkeeper Abdul Hakim saved Sadar Upazila's effort to secure the title. Hakim was named man of the final for his impressive performance. The prize-giving ceremony was chaired by Bogura Deputy Commissioner Toufiqul Rahman. A total of 14 teams - 13 upazilas of Bogura and Bogura City Corporation - participated in the tournament.
Bangladesh women's team secured fifth place in the Under-20 Women's Junior Asia Cup Hockey tournament held in Hulunbuir, China, after defeating strong Malaysia 2-1. The red-green representatives fought hard throughout the match to clinch the title. The victory has given Bangladesh a bright prospect of playing in the Under-20 Women's World Cup from the Asia Cup.
In the first half of the match, neither team scored a goal due to the defensive tactics of both teams. However, Bangladesh took control of the match by increasing the pace of attack in the second half. In the third quarter, captain Sharika Safa Rimon scored a perfect shot from the penalty stroke to put the team ahead. Then, in the fourth quarter, Kona made the difference 2-0 with a wonderful field goal. In the last half of the match, Malaysia paid a goal to reduce the difference to 2-1, but in the end, Bangladesh left the field with a victory.
According to the rules, the top four teams in this tournament will directly qualify for the U-20 Women's World Cup. However, if India hosts the World Cup, Bangladesh's path to playing in the World Cup as the fifth team may be smooth, said head coach Zahid Hossain Raju. He said that the Asian Hockey Federation has mentioned such a possibility and the matter will be officially confirmed in the next few days. He also mentioned that his team was undefeated champions in the Challenger Group and fought against Japan in the Elite Group and the result could have been better if they had more warm-up matches.
It is worth noting that under BKSP head coach Zahid Hossain Raju, the Bangladesh national women's hockey team has qualified for the Asian Games for the first time. The success of the junior team marks another step in the progress of the country's women's hockey. In addition, the Bangladesh U-20 men's team is scheduled to take the field in the seventh place match in the men's division of this tournament on Saturday afternoon.
