Bangladesh remained as kings of the Bangabandhu Cup International Kabaddi Tournament as they defeated Nepal to clinch the title for the fourth straight time Monday.
The experienced hosts won the final battle against the young Himalayan side quite dominantly by 45-31 points at the jam-packed Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium in Mirpur.
Arduzzaman Munshi and Co maintained a 100% winning record in the 12-team meet with seven consecutive victories.
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.
A total of 12 teams participated in the latest edition which has been the biggest till date.
Technical efficiency and height advantage helped Bangladesh stamp their authority over the Nepalese opponents who failed to rise to the occasion.
Nepal, who outplayed Kenya in the tiebreaker in Sunday’s semi-final, also appeared tired.
Arduzzaman, the charismatic Bangladesh skipper, opened the account with the maiden raid and Bangladesh were up and running.
Nepal countered with their ace raider Ghanshyam Roka Magar.
However, Bangladesh defense succeeded in sending him out in his second attempt.
Bangladesh won their first Lona in the eighth minute to take a 11-point lead with the scoreline saying 13-2.
Bangladesh raiders continued their domination with regular bonus points when not attaining the kick or toe touches.
The moment of the final came on the brink of half time when Mizanur Rahman, the ace Bangladesh raider, was caught in a serious tug of war whilst getting rid of the Nepalese catchers.
After a battle of nearly all his allocated 30 seconds, Mizan surrendered.
The home crowd erupted in loud applause over the moment as Bangladesh led the first half 24-10.
The men in red and green attained their second Lona when the scoreline was 29-12.
Nepal though showed their trademark fighting spirit in the second half but Bangladesh kept the boat steady.
They earned one Lona in the middle of the second half.
Arduzzaman made the tournament finale memorable for himself with the man of the final award with 13 points.
Mizan and Roman Hossain were adjudged the best raider and catcher of the tournament respectively while Nepal’s Magar received the Most Valuable Player award.
Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, the Minister for Education, distributed the prizes as the chief guest.
Nahid Ezahar Khan, the State Minister for Cultural Affairs, was present as the special guest.
