United News of Bangladesh

Touring Bangladesh National Women's Kabaddi team suffered 2nd consecutive defeat in the first- ever five- match test series losing to hosts Nepal by 22-29 points in a competitive 2nd match at the Saatdobaato Taekwondo hall in Lalitpur, Nepal on Monday Bangladesh made a frustrating start in the five-match series after conceding 18-41 points defeat against Nepal with three “lonas” in the opening match on Sunday Bangladesh, which also went down in the day's match trailing by 8-18 points in the first half, reorganised themselves in the 2nd half and snatched 14 important points with some good tackle against Nepalese collection 11 points, but failed escaped defeat due to first half debacle. They will play their next match on Tuesday at the same venue. Women’s Kabaddi Series: Bangladesh concedes 18-41 points defeat against hosts Nepal in opening match of five-match test series Bangladesh Women’s Kabaddi team playing their first-ever five- match Test series against Nepal as a part of their preparation for the Women's World Cup Kabaddi. The Women's World Cup Kabaddi will be held in the Indian town Rajgir in Bihar from June 1-8 next.

Dr Enayet Karim, a prominent economist and editor of English newspaper 'Daily Industry' has been appointed as the Regional President of the World Council of Indigenous Games (WIG) for Asia. The announcement was formally made by WIG Secretary General Dr. Mrs Ramya on Sunday. According to a press release, Dr Karim, who currently serves as the President of the Global Economist Forum and Editor of The Daily Industry, will hold the prestigious position for a three-year term effecting from April 20, 2025 until March 2027. He is also the President of the Bangladesh Sangbadpatra Shilpa Parishad, a national body representing the country’s newspaper industry. Following the announcement, Karim expressed his gratitude to the WIG authorities for entrusting him with the significant responsibility. He pledged to promote indigenous games throughout Asia with renewed enthusiasm and strategic initiatives. “I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the Regional President of WIG for Asia. I will do my utmost to revive and promote indigenous games across the region by organising regional events and establishing country-level committees,” he said. Highlighting his vision for Bangladesh, Karim added that he plans to work closely with both government and non-government organisations to create awareness and foster participation in traditional sports. “We must preserve our cultural heritage, and indigenous games are an integral part of that heritage,” he noted. As Regional President, Karim will play a key role in expanding the activities of WIG across Asia, focusing on the inclusion of traditional sports in educational and recreational sectors, fostering cultural exchange, and uniting diverse communities through heritage-based games. The World Council of Indigenous Games, an international body devoted to preserving and promoting native sports and cultural expressions, works to connect indigenous communities around the globe through events, tournaments, and advocacy. Dr Enayet Karim’s appointment is expected to further energise the indigenous sports movement in Asia, especially in Bangladesh, where traditional games are deeply rooted in rural culture but often overlooked in the face of modern entertainment. Stakeholders from various fields, including sports, culture, and education, have already congratulated Dr Karim and expressed optimism that his leadership will bring a new wave of recognition and revival to indigenous games across the continent.

Four times champions  Bangladesh Men's Hockey team earned 2nd consecutive victory in the 10- nation AHF Cup Hockey beating hosts Indonesia by 3-2 goals in Jakarta Sunday evening. Bangladesh team, which reached Indonesia last Tuesday, made a flying start in the ongoing meet outplaying Kazakstan by 5-1 goals in the opening match. In the day's match, Obaidul Islam Joy put Bangladesh ahead in the 25th minute by a field goal (1-0) while Sohanur Rahman Sabuj doubled the Bangladesh margin just three minutes later from a penalty corner (2-0) Indonesia pulled the margin one back in the dying moment of the 2nd quarter (2-1) while Indonesia leveled the margin scoring one more goal in the 4th minute of the 3rd quarter (2-2). Fazle Rabbi scored the match winner for Bangladesh just few seconds before the final whistle (3-2). Women’s Kabaddi Series: Bangladesh concedes 18-41 points defeat against hosts Nepal in opening match of five-match test series Later, Obaidur Islam Joy was adjudged player of the match. In the remaining matches, Bangladesh will play Thailand on April 22 and face Sri Lanka on April 23. Holders Bangladesh competing in the 10-nation AHF Cup Hockey, initially in two groups,  alongwith Oman, Chinese Taipei, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong China, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Singapore and Kazakhstan to repeat their feat. Top two teams of the AHF Cup Hockey will qualify for the eight-team Men's Asia Cup Hockey to be held in the Indian city of Rajgir, Bihar from Aug 27 to Sept 7. Six teams--Defending champions South Korea, hosts India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan and China--will directly play in the final round of the Men's Asia Cup Hockey.

Bangladesh National Women's Kabaddi team conceded 18-41 points defeat against hosts Nepal with three “lonas” in the opening match of the first-ever five-match historic Kabaddi test series held at the Taekwondo hall in Lalitpur, Nepal on Sunday. Member Secretary of Nepal National Sports Council Tankha Lal inaugurated the first-ever historic test series between two countries on Sunday. General Secretary of Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation SM Newas Shohag and Secretary General of All Nepal Kabaddi Association Arbind Kumar were also present on the occasion. Bangladesh Women’s Kabaddi team, which lost to Nepal in both the SA Games and Asian Games, today (Sunday) also went down by 6-18 points in the first half conceding a “lona”. With the day’s well merited victory, hosts Nepal dominated the five-match series 1-0 and will play their 2nd match at the same venue on Monday. Premier Cricket League: Dhaka Abahani, Dhaka Mohammedan, Gazi Group Cricketers win their respective super league matches Earlier, Bangladesh Women’s Kabaddi team reached the Nepalese capital Kathmandu Saturday evening to play their first-ever five- match Test series against hosts Nepal as a part of their preparation for the Women's World Cup Kabaddi. The Women's World Cup Kabaddi will be held in the Indian town Rajgir in Bihar from June 1-8 next.

Bangladesh National Women's Kabaddi team reached the Nepalese capital Kathmandu Saturday evening to play their first-ever five- match Test series against hosts Nepal as a part of their preparation for the Women's World Cup Kabaddi. The Women's World Cup Kabaddi will be held in the Indian town Rajgir in Bihar from June 1-8 next. Bangladesh Kabaddi team will return home on April 26. BPL champions Fortune Barisal in sponsoring the Bangladesh Women's Kabaddi team in the Nepal tour. Bangladesh team will start their campaign in the five- match series on Sunday (April 20) and will play the remaining matches on April 21, 22, 24 and 25, all in Kathmandu. Members of Bangladesh Kabaddi team are: Sraboni Mollick (Captain), Bristy Biswas (Vice Captain), Rupali Sr, Smriti Akter, Rekha Akthari, Mebi Chakma, Rupali Akter Jr, Anjuara Ratri, Sucharita Chakma, Khadiza Khatun, Lova Akter, Yesmin Khanum and Ishrat Jahan Sadika. Manager : Mohammad Asaduzzaman, Coaches: Shanaz Parvin Maleka and Arshaduzzaman Munshi

In a historic first, four national women athletes from Bangladesh will accompany Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on his upcoming four-day state visit to Qatar, scheduled to begin on Monday. The delegation includes footballers Afida Khandakar and Shaheda Akhter Ripa, and cricketers Sumaiya Akhter and Sharmin Sultana, the press wing of the Chief Adviser confirmed on Thursday. Women's World Cup Qualifiers: Bangladesh’s World Cup berth delayed conceding first defeat in 4th match losing to West Indies by three wickets This is the first time a group of female athletes will travel as part of an official state delegation with a head of government of Bangladesh.  The Qatar Foundation extended the invitation to the athletes through the Office of the Chief Adviser. On Thursday evening, the four athletes met with Professor Yunus at the state guesthouse Jamuna, where they discussed their goals for the visit and expressed their excitement. “We are thrilled to be part of this visit. It’s not just a personal honour but also a proud moment for our teammates and the sports community in Bangladesh,” the footballers were quoted as saying in a press release of the press wing.  They added that they hoped to invite the Qatari women’s football team for a friendly match and were eager to explore Qatar’s sports facilities and professional training methods. The cricketers said their desire to spark interest in cricket in Qatar, where the sport is not yet widely followed. “We’ve prepared a presentation to introduce both our men’s and women’s cricket journeys,” they said.  During the meeting, the athletes also shared their personal struggles and thanked the Chief Adviser for giving them the opportunity to represent the country abroad. Professor Yunus praised the athletes for their resilience and passion. “You are Bangladesh’s sports ambassadors. Share your real stories. Represent our country’s spirit and progress through sports,” he said. He assured full support from his office to ensure the success of their trip. The chief adviser is expected to attend the Earthna Summit and hold several high-level meetings during his visit from April 21 to 24, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will feature baseball at Dodger Stadium in its return to the program with surfing and cricket held outside the city as part of an updated venue plan released Tuesday by the organizing committee. Surfing will be at Trestles Beach, a renowned collection of surfing spots between northern San Diego County and southern San Clemente in Orange County, about an hour’s drive south of downtown Los Angeles. It formerly hosted a World Surfing League competition and attracts about 2.5 million visitors every year. “We’ve promised the world an incredible Olympic Games and today we’re proud to share the plan that will make it happen,” LA28 chief executive officer Reynold Hoover said in a statement. Cricket will return to the Olympics for the first time in a century in a temporary structure at the Fairgrounds in Pomona, about 35 miles from LA. Host committee chairman Casey Wasserman had initially said it was likely to be played on the East Coast, which would have better aligned with the time zone in India, home of the sport's biggest fan base. Squash will make its Olympic debut on the Universal Studios lot, famous as the setting for movies and television shows. Beach volleyball is going to Long Beach after negotiations fell through with the city of Santa Monica. Triathlon is moving from Long Beach to famed Venice Beach on the west side of LA. Joining the sports in Long Beach are target shooting at a temporary indoor range at the city's convention center. Sport climbing will take place outside in the parking lot. Already planned for Long Beach is the new event of coastal rowing as well as marathon swimming. IOC board approves boxing for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Venice Beach will also be the starting location for the marathon and cycling road courses. The course layouts and finishing sites for both events will be announced later. Boxing returns to the Olympic program with preliminary matches at the Peacock Theater across from Crypto.com Arena, which will host the final stages in downtown LA. Weightlifting also will be at Peacock, while artistic gymnastics and trampoline will be in Crypto.com Arena. Volleyball will be at Honda Center in Anaheim, about 27 miles from downtown Los Angeles. The city of Carson will host archery at Dignity Health Sports Park after the Rugby Sevens tournament. Shotgun shooting will be in South El Monte, about 14 miles from downtown LA. Equestrian is set for Santa Anita racetrack in suburban Arcadia, which hosted the sport during the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Rhythmic gymnastics will be at Galen Center on the University of Southern California campus, along with badminton. The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area in the San Fernando Valley north of downtown LA will host 3x3 basketball, as well as modern pentathlon, BMX freestyle, BMX racing, skateboarding and skateboarding street.  Esports Olympics to debut in Saudi Arabia later than expected in 2027 The updated plan was announced after being approved last week by the International Olympic Committee's executive board. Still to come is an updated Paralympic venue plan.

Four times champions  Bangladesh Men's Hockey team will fly for Indonesia Tuesday (April 15)  early hour at 2:30 am by a Thai flight in a hope to repeat their feat in the AHF Cup Hockey Tournament '2025 billed for Indonesia capital Jakarta from April 17 to 27. Earlier on last Sunday, Bangladesh Hockey Federation ( BHF) announced a 26- member Bangladesh national team, consists of 18 players and eight officials. BKSP emerge unbeaten champions outplaying Kishoreganj in hockey Celebrated forward Rasel Mahmud Jimmy dropped from team earlier due to age limit  while Mehrab Hossain Samin, who guided the Bangladesh U-21 team to the  Youth World Cup Hockey, also excluded from the squad. Senior player Pushkar Kisha Mimo named as the new captain of the Bangladesh National Hockey team for the AHF Cup Hockey,  a  qualifying tournament for the Men's Asia Cup Hockey. Holders Bangladesh will compete in the 10-nation AHF Cup Hockey alongwith Oman, Chinese Taipei, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong China, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Singapore and Kazakhstan to repeat their feat  Top two teams of the AHF Cup Hockey will qualify for the eight-team Men's Asia Cup Hockey to be held in the Indian city of Rajgir, Bihar from Aug 27 to Sept 7. Six teams--Defending champions South Korea, hosts India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan and China--will directly play in the final round of the Men's Asia Cup Hockey. Players of the Bangladesh national team are: Pushkar Kisha Mimo (Captain), Fazle Hossain Rabbi (Vice Captan), Huzaifa Hossain, Rezaul Karim Babu, Sohanur Rahman Sabuj, Farhad Ahmed Shetul, Ashraful Islam, Amirul Islam, Abed Uddin, Nayemuddin, Al Nahian Shuvo, Roman Sarkar, Arshad Hossain, Obaidul Hossain Joy, Rakibul Hasan, Mahbub Hossain, Biplob Kuzur and Abu Sayed Nikson. Women's Hockey: BKSP to face Kishoreganj DSA in final Saturday Eight officials are: Syed Bayazid Haider ( Manager), Kazi Abu Zafar Tapan (Assistant Manager), Mamumur Rashid (Head  Coach), Moshiur Rahman Biplob ( Assistant Coach), Alamgir Islam ( Trainer), Saifuddin Ahmed ( Physio),Taposh Barman (Video Analyst ) and Ismail Hossain Liton (Umpire).  

Former France international Wissam Ben Yedder is trying to revive his career in Iran after almost a year on the sidelines and a suspended prison sentence for sexually assaulting a woman. Ben Yedder, who was out of contract, signed a deal with five-time Iranian champion Sepahan FC, the club said in a statement. Terms of their agreement were not disclosed. The Isfahan-based club said that Ben Yedder, a diminutive forward with excellent finishing skills, underwent medical tests and is now waiting for his international transfer certificate before he can resume his professional career. Ben Yedder has been embroiled in court cases recently. He was condemned last year after being accused of sexual assault while intoxicated. The court in the southern city of Nice also imposed on Ben Yedder a duty to follow treatment. The 34-year-old player, a prolific striker who played 19 matches and scored three goals for France, was briefly detained then released after the incident in his car on the French Riviera. Ben Yedder, who underwent alcohol detox and therapy, has been without a club since his contract with Monaco expired in 2024. Experts involved in Maradona’s autopsy testify that he had an abnormally large heart He scored 16 goals with three assists in the French league last season to help Monaco finish second behind Paris Saint-Germain. In five seasons with Monaco, he scored 118 times in 201 appearances in all competitions to become the club’s second-highest scorer behind retired Argentine striker Delio Onnis (223). Ben Yedder's last cap for the national team came in June 2022. In a separate legal case still being pursued, Ben Yedder was handed preliminary charges of rape, attempted rape and sexual assault over another alleged incident in the south of France. Ben Yedder, who also played for Toulouse in France and Spanish club Sevilla from 2016-19, was also sentenced in Spain in 2023, being handed a suspended prison sentence of six months for tax fraud.

Liverpool expects to set an attendance record for a Merseyside derby at Anfield for Wednesday's Premier League match against Everton. The record crowd for a match between the rivals at the famous stadium was 56,060 for a 0-0 draw in 1963. Wednesday will be the first time the teams have faced each other at Anfield since expansion work was completed at the stadium last year, with attendances now rising above 60,000. The renovated stadium's official capacity is 61,276, which is below its all-time record attendance of 61,905 set in 1952 for an FA Cup match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Liverpool manager Arne Slot predicts the home crowd will be an advantage to his players after February's 2-2 draw with Everton in a bad tempered match when Slot was one of four people sent off. Delhi Capitals climb to 2nd after comfortable victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL Slot said Tuesday he expected another difficult game. “I expect the same,” he said. “But with one difference: that every time the Everton players do something well, they don’t get the cheers and the reactions from 50,000 people. ... Our players will get that reaction after every tackle they make, after every pass they do and that is a different emotion.” Liverpool is on course to win a record-equaling 20th English league title this season. It leads the standings by 12 points over second-placed Arsenal. If it lifts the title, it would equal with Manchester United's record.