The Daily Jugantor have won the title of the Kool-BSJA Media Cup Football Tournament, organised by the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association and sponsored by Square Toiletries.
In the final of the tournament, which featured participation from 32 of the country’s top media houses, Jugantor defeated ATN Bangla 2-0 in a rain-soaked encounter held Sunday at the Paltan outer ground.
With the referee’s final whistle, Jugantor players celebrated their return to championship glory after a long gap.
Guests at the award ceremony included former national football team captain Imtiaz Sultan Johnny, former BSJA president Manjurul Haque, Bangladesh Football Federation member Manjurul Karim, senior sports organizer Fazlur Rahman Babul, Square Toiletries brand manager Abid Bin Shaheed, BSJA president Arifur Rahman Babu, and BSJA general secretary SM Sumon.
In the title-deciding match, Saddam Hossain Imran gave Jugantor the lead in the first half.
Captain Jyotirmoy Mondol sealed victory with a brilliant strike in the second half.
With a powerful shot from midfield that rattled the net, Imran earned the Man of the Match award.
Guest player Mazharul Islam Mithun of Jugantor was named the tournament's best player, scoring four goals and providing two assists throughout the event.
ATN Bangla’s Addin Sajib (four goals) received the top scorer award, while Jugantor’s AK Salman was adjudged best goalkeeper.
The semi-finals were also held on the same day as the final.
In the first semi-final, Jugantor beat Dhaka Tribune 2-1, with Mithun scoring twice and earning his third man of the match award of the tournament.
In the other thrilling semi-final, ATN Bangla edged past Desh TV 1-0, thanks to a decisive goal by the team's star player Addin Sajib.
Despite continuous rain, the tournament maintained a festive atmosphere.
BSJA president Arifur Rahman Babu, tournament committee convener and BSJA vice-president Raihan Al Mughni, and committee member secretary Yeasin Hasan Rabbi expressed their appreciation to all participating teams.