Dhaka: The 35th National Men's Handball competition, organized by Bangladesh Handball Federation (BHF), commenced at the Shaheed Captain M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium in the capital today. The event was inaugurated by Major General Abu Mohammad Sarwar Farid, the BHF president and director general of National Security Intelligence, serving as the chief guest.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, several key figures from the BHF attended the opening ceremony, including general secretary Md Salahuddin Ahmed, vice presidents Mojnu Mollah and Dr. Abu Nasar Mohammad Abdullah, joint secretary Rascida Afzalun Nessa, former president Hasan Ulla Khan Rana, and treasurer Khaled Anwar.
On the first day of the competition, defending champions Bangladesh Ansar, along with Madaripur District Sports Association (DSA), Jessore DSA, and Mymensingh DSA, secured victories in their respective matches. Bangladesh Ansar triumphed over Joypurhat DSA with a score of 45-15, leading 21-6 at halftime. Madaripur DSA overcame Rajshahi DSA 24-20, despite trailing 11-12 at the half. Jessore DSA dominated Gaibandha DSA 43-9, with a 17-4 lead at halftime, while Mymensingh DSA defeated Chattogram DSA 30-24, having led 16-9 at the break. The match between Faridpur and Jamalpur DSAs ended in a 26-26 draw, although Faridpur had a 19-11 lead at halftime.
The tournament offers prize money along with the trophy. The champions will receive Taka 25,000, the runners-up Taka 15,000, the third-place finishers Taka 10,000, and the best player will be awarded Taka 5,000.
A total of 23 teams from services and district sports associations are participating in the competition, which is divided into two phases. The first phase features 11 teams split into two groups, while the second phase includes 12 teams also divided into two groups. The winners of the four groups from both phases will advance to the semifinals, with the final scheduled for May 31.
In the first phase, Group A consists of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP, Jessore DSA, Faridpur, Jamalpur, Gaibandha, Joypurhat, and Chattogram DSAs. Group B includes BGB, Rajshahi, Madaripur, and Mymensingh DSAs. The second phase sees Group C composed of Bangladesh Police Handball Club, Dhaka, Sunamganj, Narayangaj, Bogura, and Bagerhat DSAs. Group D features Bandarban, Chapainawabganj, Kushtia, Panchagarh, Narail, and Dinajpur DSAs.