The final phase of the IGP Cup National Youth Kabaddi Championship (U-19) began with a colorful inauguration ceremony at the Paltan Maidan in the capital on Wednesday.
Inspector General of Bangladesh Police Dr. Benazir Ahmed inaugurated the meet as the chief guest while Bangladesh Olympic Association Secretary General Syed Shahed Reza was present there as the special guest.
BKF General Secretary and DIG of Dhaka Range Habibur Rahman, Joint Secretary and Additional DIG Gazi Mozammel Haque were also present on the occasion. Benazir Ahmed paid tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in his birth centenary in his speech.
“Bangladesh is taking big strides in every aspect, Bangladesh now wants to take the top spot in whatever it participates, this is a big event and I have every hope and belief that Kabaddi under the competent guidance of the federation officials will mark its presence in the international arena,” Benazir said.
The BKF President expressed high optimism about discovering the new talents of the meet. “Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Kabaddi as the national game of Bangladesh. We have every hope to see the new talents from the grassroots from this tournament, we hope the new talents will take the game to a new height,” said Abdullah Al-Mamun.
A total of 32 teams from 8 zones – 16 boys teams and 16 girls teams – are taking part in the final phase which will end on January 4.
Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation informed the best players of the competition will be trained under a foreign coach in a long-term preparation camp for the upcoming U-21 World Cup.