DHAKA, May 20, 2025 (BSS)- The 35th National Men’s Handball competition, organized by Bangladesh Handball Federation (BHF), began at Shaheed Captain M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium in the capital today (Tuesday).

BHF president and director general of National Security Intelligence Major General Abu Mohammad Sarwar Farid formally inaugurated the meet as the chief guest.

BHF general secretary Md Salahuddin Ahmed, its vice presidents Mojnu Mollah and Dr. Abu Nasar Mohammad Abdullah, joint secretary Rascida Afzalun Nessa and former BHF president Hasan Ulla Khan Rana and treasurer Khaled Anwar were present on the occasion.  

On the first day of the meet, defending champions Bangladesh Ansar, Madaripur District Sports Association (DSA), Jessore DSA and Mymensingh DSA won their respective matches.

Ansar beat Joypurhat DSA by 45-15 goals after leading the first half by 21-6 goals, Madaripur DSA defeated Rajshahi DSA by 24-20 goals after trailing the first half by 11-12 goals,  Jessore DSA outplayed Gaibandha DSA by 43-9 goals after dominating the first half by 17-4 goals,  Mymensingh DSA overpowered Chattogram DSA by 30-24 goals after leading the first half by 16-9 goals and the match between Faridpur and Jamalpur DSAs ended 26-26 draw though Faridpur led the first half by  19-11 goals.

Apart from the trophy, the champions of the competition will get Taka 25,000 as prize money while the runners-up will have Taka  15,000. The third place finishers will get Taka 10,000 while the best player of the competition will be given Taka 5,000 as cash reward.

A total of 23 teams of services and district sports associations, will compete in two phases. Eleven teams, split into two groups, will take part in first phase while twelve teams, divided into two groups, will compete in the second phase.

The four group champions of the two phases will play in the semifinals. The final will be held on May 31.

The participating teams of 1st phase:
Group A - Bangladesh Ansar and VDP, Jessore District Sports Association (DSA), Faridpur, Jamalpur, Gaibandha, Joypurhat, Chattogram DSAs.
Group B – BGB, Rajshahi, Madaripur, Mymensingh DSAs.

Participating teams in 2nd phase:
Group C – Bangladesh Police Handball Club, Dhaka, Sunamganj, Narayangaj, Bogura and Bagerhat DSAs.
Group D – Bandarban, Chapainawabganj, Kushtia, Panchagarh, Narail, and Dinajpur DSAs.