Mohammedan launching 'World Cup Adda'

As football fever sweeps the nation ahead of Thursday's World Cup kick-off, traditional heavyweights Mohammedan Sporting Club have launched a dedicated digital programme, "World Cup Adda", to keep fans engaged with daily tournament analysis and banter.

​Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque officially inaugurated the Facebook-based initiative at the club's Motijheel premises on Wednesday. For the former Bangladesh national team captain, returning to the iconic black-and-whites to launch the event was a deeply personal moment.

​"Mohammedan is a place of emotion for me," Haque said. "My career began here. From Mohammedan, I went to Farashganj, and then I was called up to the national team. Those early days here played a massive role in my career."

​While Bangladesh will not be fielding a team in the tournament, the country's legendary World Cup enthusiasm is already in full swing. Acknowledging this unrivalled passion, the minister was quick to praise local fans.

​"We might not play in the World Cup, but our love for football and our supporters are the best in the world," he noted.

​To illustrate just how deeply the tournament divides and excites the nation, Haque shared a light-hearted glimpse of the classic Brazil-Argentina rivalry currently brewing in his own home.

​"When I was returning home yesterday after a busy day, my wife was saying, 'Brazil has no chance this time'," he shared with a smile. "She was telling my daughter the same thing. Essentially, they are Argentina supporters!"

​Founded in 1936, Mohammedan has a proud history of producing top-tier athletes across football, cricket, hockey, and volleyball. Wednesday's star-studded launch event was attended by a host of club dignitaries, including President Barkatullah Bulu and Director-in-Charge Lokman Hossain Bhuiyan, alongside various directors and former sporting greats.