The Under-15 Boys and Girls Beach Football Tournament has officially begun in Cox’s Bazar, bringing together young athletes from all eight divisions of Bangladesh. The tournament commenced on Wednesday, May 21, with a colorful opening ceremony at the Divine Point of the Cox’s Bazar sea beach.
The national, Olympic, and Sports Directorate flags were hoisted to the tune of the national anthem, marking the event’s beginning. Balloons and festoons were released into the sky, adding to the festive spirit.
Md. Iqbal Hossain, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, formally inaugurated the tournament.
In his opening speech, the chief guest, Iqbal Hossain, emphasized the government’s commitment to reviving football nationwide.
“We aim to bring football back to life in every corner of the country. Inter-district tournaments will be organized nationwide to make football more popular. With everyone’s combined efforts, we hope to take Bangladeshi football a long way forward,” he said.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salah Uddin. Special guests included Md. Mostafa Zaman, Director of the Sports Directorate under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Imran Sajib, and Md. Alauddin, Member Secretary of the District Sports Association and District Sports Officer.
On the first day, the tournament featured the following matches in both boys’ and girls’ categories: Match 1: Dhaka vs. Barisa; Match 2: Sylhet vs. Khulna; Match 3: Mymensingh vs. Rajshahi; and Match 4: Rangpur vs. Chattogram.
The grand finale and prize distribution ceremony are scheduled for May 23.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report/Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Courtesy
