ABG University Cup football kicks off at Kings Arena

The football event of the ABG University Cup 2026 was inaugurated at Bashundhara Kings Arena on Monday, with balloons and pigeons released to mark the occasion, as Daffodil International University (DIU) and North South University (NSU) prepared to face off in the opening match.

The Group A clash kicked off at 5pm, drawing keen interest from students of both universities as the sides vied for early supremacy in the 10-university tournament. The match was broadcast live by T Sports, the country’s only sports channel.

Former Bangladesh footballer Kaiser Hamid welcomed the initiative, praising Anvir Bashundhara Group (ABG) for providing university players with access to a world-class venue.

“During our playing days in the 1980s and 1990s, we did not have grounds like this. The players competing here are very lucky to have the opportunity to play at such a beautiful venue,” Hamid said.

He said football had regained momentum in Bangladesh over the past two to three years and expressed hope that the inter-university tournament would help produce players capable of bringing pride to the country.

Hamid also noted the presence of several foreign players, including Nigerians, in the Daffodil University squad, while wishing both teams well ahead of the contest.

Another football legend from Bangladesh, Sheikh Mohammad Aslam at the inauguration praised Bashundhara Group for encouraging young people through sporting initiatives and expressed hope that the tournament would continue in the coming years.

The competition features 10 universities, with every group-stage match carrying significance in the race for a semi-final place.

Daffodil International University had already made a strong start in the cricket event, securing a 94-run victory in their opening match, while NSU’s footballers were eager to make their mark at Kings Arena.