DHAKA, June 3, 2024 (BSS)- Bangladesh national kabaddi team emeregd champions

for the fourth consecutive times in a row in the prestigious Bangabandhu Cup
International Kabaddi Tournament  beating Nepal by 45-31 points with two
creditable lonas in the final match held at Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor
Stadium at Mirpur on Monday.

The tournament, commemorating the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman, commenced in 2021 and Bangladesh accomplished the record of
winning the title of all editions. Twelve teams participated in the latest
edition and which is the biggest till date.

Technical efficiency and the height advantage helped Bangladesh stamp their
authority over their Himalayan opponents who failed to rise on the occasion.
Nepal outplayed Kenya in tie breakers in the semifinal on Sunday last and
appeared tired also.

Arduzzaman Munshi, the charismatic Bangladesh skipper who retired from the
international scene, opened the account with the maiden raid and Bangladesh
was on the go. Nepal countered with their ace raider Ghanshyam Roka Magar,
however, Bangladesh defense succeeded to send him out in his second attempt.

Bangladesh won their first lona in the eighth minute running to take an 11-
point lead with the score line read 13-2. Nepal's ace marksman Ghanshyam Roka
Magar appeared a bit down as Bangladesh defence countered his attacking
instincts with intelligence. Bangladesh raiders continued their domination
with regular bonus points when not attaining the kick or toe touches.
 
The moment of the final came in the brink of the half time when Mizanur
Rahman, the ace Bangladesh raider was caught in a serious tug of war to get
rid of the Nepalese catchers. After a battle of near all his allocated 30
seconds Mizan surrendered. The capacity crowd erupted in loud applause over
the moment.
 
The men in red and green attained their second lona while the score line was
29-12. Nepal, however, showed their trade mark fighting back in the second
half but Bangladesh kept the boat steady. They earned one lona in the middle
of the second half.

The score line was 40-22 when the referees signaled the last five minutes to
go. Soon it was the red and green explosion as the long whistle announced
Bangladesh supremacy amid the cheering crowd.

Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, the Minister for Education distributed the
prizes as the chief guest. Naheed Ezaher Khan, the state minister for
Cultural Affairs was present as special guest.

IGP of Bangladesh Police and Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF) President
Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun and its General Secretary and DMP Commissioner
Habibur Rahman were also present on the occasion.

Roll of honor

Year champion runners-up
 
2021 -Bangladesh Kenya

2022 -Bangladesh Kenya

2023 -Bangladesh Chinese Taipei

2024 - Bangladesh-Nepal