The High Commission for Pakistan in Dhaka, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Chess Federation, organized the 2nd Mian Sultan Khan Chess Tournament today at the Pakistan High Commission. The annual tournament honours the legacy of Mian Sultan Khan, Pakistan legendary Chess player.
The event saw an impressive participation of 200 chess players from diverse backgrounds, including diplomats, professionals, students, and chess enthusiasts, reflecting Bangladesh deep passion for the game.
Adviser on Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh, Mr. Mostofa Sarwar Farooki graced the occasion as the chief guest while dignitaries including President of Bangladesh Chess Federation, Syed Shujauddin Ahmed, Cultural Secretary, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Mr. Ashrafu din Ahmad Uzzal, and Bangladesh 1st International Master Player Rani Hamid, were present as Special Guests.
Ambassadors of various countries based in Dhaka including Ambassador of the Philippines, H.E MS. NINA P. CAINGLET, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Mr. Dharmapala Weerakkody, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam Haji Haris bin Othman also attended the event as special guests.
Sakline Mostafa Sajid emerged as Champion of the tournament and Manon Reja Neer as runner-up while Mr. Subrota Biswas and Nayem Haque clinched 3rd and 4th place respectively.
Adviser on Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh, Mr. Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Pakistan High Commissioner Syed Ahmed Maroof awarded trophies and cash prizes to the winner and top performers of the tournament.
Speaking at the Awards Distribution Ceremony, Adviser on Cultural Affairs Mr. Mostofa Sarwar Farooki commended the Pakistan High Commission for organizing the event, providing an excellent platform for chess players and the diplomatic community to engage. He assured the full support of the Bangladesh interim government for similar initiatives in the future.
High Commissioner Maroof expressed his gratitude to the Bangladesh Government and Chess Federation for their support in organizing the tournament. He highlighted the role of such events in strengthening people-to-people ties, saying “It is through such events that we strengthen people to people linkages and bonds of friendship and brotherhood between Pakistan and Bangladesh. He emphasized that the tournament was aimed at celebrating the rich legacy of Mian Sultan Khan and bringing together chess enthusiasts and the diplomatic community for a healthy, competitive activity.
Earlier, at the outset of the tournament, the High Commissioner expressed condolences at the sad demise of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, recognizing him as a true friend of Pakistan whose visionary leadership illuminated many lives. The participants observed a moment of silence in his memory.
The High Commissioner congratulated the winner and best performers of the tournament while wishing all other participants the best for the 3rd Mian Sultan Khan tournament next year. He also thanked the Adviser for Cultural Affairs, Mr. Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, diplomats, the Grandmaster, International masters and media persons for their presence at the event.
Asian Distributions Limited, the exclusive distributor of the global car brands OMODA & JAECOO in Bangladesh, has officially become the sponsor of Fortune Barishal for the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025. The strategic sponsorship aims to promote deeper connections within the local community and celebrate the shared values of teamwork, excellence, and innovation by combining cutting-edge automotive technology with the cricket world. The signing ceremony took place at the OMODA & JAECOO Bangladesh showroom, Tejgaon, Dhaka.
Tamim Iqbal, Captain, Fortune Barishal, has attended the event to finalize the agreement, adding a moment of prestige to the occasion. The event was also graced by key officials from Asian Distributions Limited, including Khayrul Alam, Senior Manager, and Dewan Shajedur Rahman, Managing Director. Md. Mizanur Rahman, Owner, Fortune Barishal, Bangladesh Premier League, has also attended the ceremony. concluded with an exclusive photo session featuring Tamim Iqbal alongside the luxurious OMODA & JAECOO lineup, symbolizing the unity between sportsmanship and automotive excellence.
The strategic alliance marks a new milestone for OMODA & JAECOO Bangladesh as it continues to expand its footprint in the Bangladeshi market. The brands, which are renowned for their cutting-edge technology and sophisticated designs, perfectly align with the spirit of Fortune Barishal, a team celebrated for their exceptional performance on the field. Fortune Barishal was the champion of BPL 2024.
The 16-year era of Kazi Salauddin at the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has ended, with Mr. Tabith Awal, previously Vice President for two terms, now leading as the newly elected President after the election on October 26, 2024. Mr. Fahad Mohammad Ahmed Karim, a prominent figure in the sports industry and President and CEO of K-Sports, has been appointed as Vice President. Known for his expertise in sports marketing and management, Karim brings valuable experience to the BFF and is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of Bangladeshi football.
Mr. Karim said, “I am grateful to all the voters, the current regime, all the staff of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), the election commissioner, FIFA, and AFC, who have worked together to ensure a fair and transparent election. This is the first election of BFF in the new Bangladesh, which has been created by the students and the people of Bangladesh, and I am proud to be a part of it. I am really looking forward to the leadership of our President Mr. Tabith Awal, who is a young visionary entrepreneur, politician, and, most importantly, an ex-footballer. Eager to work under his leadership and visionary thinking.
For myself, I only want to say that the sports industry has given a lot to me, and it is time to give back to the sport itself. I am also very keen to work with the Dhaka Leagues, which perhaps are not at their best currently. My experience in PR, Marketing, Brand Building, and Partnership is something I would love to bring forward. I am keen to work on building a better image of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) and football in general, especially through social media and digital platforms. But these are still my thoughts and depend on which responsibilities are bestowed upon me by our President."
Along with Mr. Karim, Wahid Uddin Chowdhury Happy, Sabbir Ahmed Arif, and Nasser Shahrear Zahedee were elected as vice presidents.
Shakib Al Hasan Los Angeles Waves marked a disappointing start in the 2024 edition of the United States National Cricket League (US NCL), falling short against the New York Lions by 19 runs in the first match at the University of Texas Cricket Stadium, Dallas, on Saturday.
Opting to bat first, the New York Lions posted an imposing total of 126 runs for the loss of two wickets in their allotted 10 overs.
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina spearheaded the attack with a dazzling half-century, smashing 53 runs off just 28 deliveries, laced with six boundaries and three sixes.