Rajshahi:The 31st International Under-18 Junior Tennis Tournament-2026 commenced at the Rajshahi Tennis Complex with participants from ten different countries.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the tournament's opening ceremony took place at 9 am, featuring the release of balloons and festoons, as well as a cake-cutting event. The ceremony included the introduction of the participating players to the guests.
Rajshahi City Corporation Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton highlighted that the tournament offers a platform for young Bangladeshi players to showcase their talents on an international stage and further cements Rajshahi's reputation for hosting global sports events. The event was presided over by Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Yusuf Ali.
Notable attendees included DIG of Rajshahi Range Ashik Sayeed, Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Faizul Kabir, Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam, Rajshahi Zila Parishad Administrator Advocate Ershad Isha, and Rajshahi Development Authority Chairman Abul Kalam Azad Sweet.
Tournament Director Hasinur Rahman Tinku welcomed the participants, and speeches were also delivered by Bangladesh Tennis Federation General Secretary Ishtiaque Ahmed Tariq and Rajshahi Tennis Complex Ad-hoc Committee Convener and Additional Divisional Commissioner Habibur Rahman.
The tournament is scheduled from October 5 to 10, drawing over 100 players from countries including Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Nepal, Japan, China, South Korea, and the United States. Thailand's Likul Patcharaphul, ranked 1,059 in the ITF World Junior Rankings, is the highest-ranked boy, while India's Sheikh Shazfa, ranked 2,045, is the top-ranked girl.
The singles events for both boys and girls feature 32-player draws, with eight players qualifying for the main draw and four receiving wild cards in each category. The doubles events consist of 16-team draws. Five players from Rajshahi are competing, with Rakin Rahman and Bokul Ali in the main draw, and Indian ITF White Badge referee Joy Mukherjee overseeing the tournament as referee.