The DC Gold Cup Football Tournament was inaugurated in a festive atmosphere on Monday afternoon at the Birshreshtha Ruhul Amin Stadium.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salahuddin officially declared the tournament open by releasing balloons, while Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) hoisted the national and upazila team flags to the tune of the national anthem.
Speaking as chief guest, the Deputy Commissioner said Cox’s Bazar is a fertile ground for sports.
“Our children have consistently brought national-level recognition to Cox’s Bazar. This success must be highlighted for the present and future generations, so they are inspired to engage in sports. The tournament is organized to provide a platform for local talented players,” he noted.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) and Tournament Convener Imran Hossain Sajib.
Among the special guests were Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Jasimuddin Chowdhury, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Nizam Uddin Ahmed, Additional District Magistrate Md. Shahidul Alam, and District Sports Association (DSA) ad-hoc committee member secretary Md. Alauddin.
The nine-day knockout-format tournament features nine upazila teams divided into two groups.
In the opening match, Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila faced Pekua Upazila. The first half ended goalless, but in the second half Sadar secured a 1–0 victory.
The match was briefly halted three minutes before the final whistle due to an offside dispute, but after a 15-minute pause, the referee declared Sadar the winner. Pekua’s players later left the field without continuing the game.
Sadar Upazila’s foreign recruit Nani was named Man of the Match.
On Tuesday (Sept 2) at 2 p.m., Ramu Upazila will take on Kutubdia in the second match.
According to DSA member secretary Md. Alauddin, the participating teams are Ramu, Chakaria, Maheshkhali, Teknaf, Pekua, Kutubdia, Ukhiya, Eidgaon, and Cox’s Bazar Sadar. To enhance competitiveness and attract spectators, each team is allowed to include three foreign players in their squad.
Each team receives Tk 10,000 per match, while the champions will take home the trophy and Tk 50,000 in prize money. The runners-up will receive a trophy along with Tk 30,000. Gallery tickets are priced at Tk 50.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
