The first ever Bangabandhu Cup Silver Jubilee of Independence Football Tournament began at the Dhaka National Stadium yesterday, reports UNB.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. the eldest daughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the chief patron of the tournament, formally inaugurated the 11-day club level international meet at a colourful ceremony at 3.50 pm.
Hundreds of multi-coloured balloons, four groups of pigeons. and a good number les-toons were released while 16 flags of participating teams, soccer related bodies alongwith the national Hag displayed all over the gallery as (he opening declaration was made.
"I formally declare the Bangabandhu Cup Silver Jubilee of independence Football Tournament open." said the Prime Minister amidst clapping and cheers
State-run Bangladesh Television (BTV) telecast the opening ceremony live while Bangladesh beter broadcast running commentary about the ceremony from the stadium.
Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF). the supreme body of the country's football, organised the international soccer tournament with 10 foreign and three local club teams.
Earlier, the opening ceremony of the tournament began at 3.30 pm at the stadium soon after arrival of the Prime Minister.
Post and Telecommunications Minister and chairman of the organising committee Mohammad Nasim. Dhaka city mayor and a BFF president Mohammad Hanif. and State Minister for Youth. Sports and Cultural Affairs Obaidul Quader received the Prime Minister at the stadium gate.
On her way to the dais inside the ground, the Prime Minister was introduced to the officials of the participating teams and the tournament committee, and members of the Swadhln Bangla Football Team.
The day's programme began with the playing of national anthem by women Ansars band, followed by commentary on the Liberation War.
One-minute silence was observed In honour of the martyrs of the Liberation War, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the four national leaders assassinated in Jail.
Mohammad Nasim delivered the welcome speech while Obaidul Quader presented the tournament crest to the prime minister. Mohammad Hanif gave a short vote of thanks and invited the Prime Minister to open the meet.
After the opening announcement. the cultural programme of the ceremony started at 3.55 pm with about 600 girls from Azimpur School performing an 8-minute dance with excellent choreography.
Nine hundred smart Jawans of Bangladesh Rifles, attired in seven different colours, offered attractive calisthenics for 17
minutes that included displaying the tournament logo with the portrait of Bangabandhu.
A group of artists of Swadhln Bangla Beter Kendra — Rathlndra Nath Roy. Bipul Bhattacharya. Kalyan! Ghosh. Shaheen Samad. Ajit Roy. MA Mannan. Rupa Farhad and Milia Ali— rendered two patriotic songs of Liberation War from atop a decorated mobile vehicle.
Renowned vocalists Sabina Yasmin and Andrew Kishore with eight co-artists presented the tournament song "Maha-mtlaner Mahamelai Jatlr Janak Bangabandhu" composed by Kawser Ahmed Chowdhury and set to tune by Samar Das.
Eight foreign teams — Bargh Shiraz FC of Iran. Friends Club of Nepal. Indonesia's UJang Pandang FC. Eastern All Star of Thailand. Calcutta East Bengal Club. Moscow Cosmos Club of Russia and Malaysia A&B teams — have already arrived in the city to take part In the meet.
Of the remaining two foreign teams. Calcutta Mohammedan SC was due here later last night while Calcutta Mohunbagan Club will be the last team to arrive today.
In the day's opening match. Abahani Limited beat Malaysia B team by 2-1 goals at the Dhaka National Stadium.