London: Channel SK emerged as champions in the traditional London Bangla Press Club Football tournament, defeating One Bangla Friends United by 4-3 in a penalty shootout at the East London Stepney Green football ground.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the prize distribution ceremony followed the intense match and was held in a festive atmosphere. Anwar Aldin, chairman of the board of directors of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) and joint editor of Dainik Ittefaq, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The ceremony was presided over by London Bangla Press Club president Md Jubayer and conducted by its general secretary Taisir Mahmud.
Anwar Aldeen, addressing attendees, emphasized the cultural significance of football, stating, "Football is our heritage. Our emotional, nostalgic love and intense obsession are mixed with football." He remarked on the shifting focus of Bangladesh's youth towards cricket and expressed hope for football's resurgence to its former glory.
Individual accolades were also awarded during the ceremony. Bahar Uddin and Shahidur Rahman Suhel were jointly recognized as the highest scorers of the tournament, while Zakir Hossain received the best goalkeeping award. Abdul Shobhan was named the man of the match in the final.
The tournament witnessed participation from six teams, divided into two groups: One Bangla United, Bangla Kagaj, Channel S, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Desh-Potrika United, and UK Bangla Live United.