Bangabandhu Cup 2023 Third Bangladesh Kabaddi Tournament was inaugurated in the presence of 12 countries of the world. On Monday afternoon, the information minister inaugurated the tournament by blowing balloons as the chief guest at the volleyball stadium next to the kabaddi stadium in Paltan of the capital. Hasan Mahmud.
In the opening ceremony, the information minister said, ‘Kabaddi is the national game of our country. This game of Abhaman Bengal has now reached the international level. Kabaddi Federation deserves to be thanked for this. Before this, two international Kabaddi tournaments were organized in our country. 5 countries participated in the first round, 8 countries participated in the second round. Following this, 12 teams are participating this time. It is a matter of great pride for us.’
IGP of Police and President of Kabaddi Federation Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, Additional IGP and General Secretary of Kabaddi Federation, Chief of Tourist Police Habibur Rahman and Secretary of Youth and Sports Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed.
After the official inauguration, dance director Ivan Shahriar Sohag choreographed the regional song program of 12 countries. After that the opening match started. Bangladesh vs Poland participated in it.
A total of 12 countries from different continents of the world are being organized in this tournament. Five countries participated in the first edition in 2021, eight countries participated in the second edition last year. The teams are divided into two groups. Argentina, Iraq, Nepal, England and Poland are the opponents of Bangladesh in Group A. And Group B consists of Kenya, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei and Thailand.
Each team will play five matches. The top two teams from the two groups will play in the semi-finals. On the other hand, the previous two times Bangladesh champion, Kenya was the runner-up. This time, Bangladesh is chasing a hat-trick title in the tournament.
(March 13/LM)