Defending champions Bangladesh got off to a winning start in the 2nd Bangabandhu Cup International Kabaddi Tournament when they beat England by 46-15 points with three credible "lona" Saturday at Shaheed Noor Hossain National Volleyball Stadium in the city.
The winners dominated the first period of play as they led by 27-4 points at the breather.
Tuhin Tarafder of Bangladesh was named the player of the match for his impressive performance.
Bangladesh will play their second group match against Malaysia Sunday at the same venue at 10am.
Earlier, Prime Minister's adviser on private industry and investment Salman F Rahman, MP formally inaugurated the meet as the chief guest.
International Kabaddi Federation general secretary Yoon Yeong Hak, Star Sports CEO Arun Kumar Gossami and former cricketer, Bangladesh Cricket Board director Naimur Rahman Durjoy and Bangladesh Olympic Association secretary general Syed Shahed Reza were present as the special guests.
Rapid Action Battalion Director General and Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation president Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, BKF general secretary Deputy Inspector General of Dhaka Range Habibur Rahman, were, among others, present in the opening ceremony.
Speaking as the chief guest Salman F Rahman, MP said BCB would extend its cooperation to BKF regarding appointment of foreign coach.
"I am happy to see that Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation has been hosting international kabaddi tournaments commemorating the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman....I hope they will organize the tournament on a regular basis. I on behalf of BCB would like to announce that the BCB will cooperate with the BKF in their effort to appoint a foreign coach," he said.
He added that cricket and football already reached the international level.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also wants the involvement of youths in sports.
The government has taken many steps for the development of sports in the country.
Salman F Rahman, MP also thanked all the participating countries for taking part in the tournament.
Organized by BKF, a total of eight countries, split into two groups, are taking part in the prestigious six-day tournament.
Teams
Group A - Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, England
Group B - Kenya, Nepal, Indonesia, Iraq
