Emdad Rahman
MATHIURA DUDBOKSHI FC have been crowned the first ever Beanibazar Village Cup winners. The tournament in Mile End, organised by Beanibazar Sporting Club UK, was the first ever get together of this nature.
Beanibazar is a sub district in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh, and the tournament brought together 30 teams and hundreds of supporters to take part in a historic day of togetherness, frivolity, unity… and great football.
The draw for the inaugural tournament had been held earlier in the week at The London Enterprise Academy, Tower Hamlets, and was attended by team managers and the Sporting Club’s Committee.
The day saw hundreds of young and old Beanibazaris descend on Mile End as the 30 teams locked horns with some very competitive but very good-natured football over the course of six straight hours. Perhaps the greatest benefit was witnessing the joy of sons, fathers, uncles and relatives playing together on the very same pitch, decked out in identical kits.
In the final, Hamid Yusuf’s Dudbokshi defeated Abul Hussain’s Piror Chok, with Rayhan Yusuf and Abdur Rahim delivering two hammer blows. It was left to Dudbokshi talisman Abdul Basit to make Beanibazari history by lifting the very first trophy.
Beanibazar Sporting Club UK President Mesba Ahmed, who was himself in splendid form with Nidonpur, commented, “Today has been above and beyond our wildest expectations. It has been an exhilarating and hair-raising experience, bringing everyone together.
“This is what Beanibazar Sporting Club UK is about – small projects to engage with our community. Really, it has been a day of great joy – seeing so many familiar faces, many who have met each other after years and decades. We’re very proud of this achievement.
“Nothing would have been possible without my colleagues – Mahbub Ahmed, Fokrul Islam, Forhad Hussain Tipu, Sorwar Alam, Akbar Hussain, Ruhel Ahmed Tarin, Mohammed Ruhel and Emdad Rahman. I thank them for the phenomenal amount of work each and every individual has put in, not only today but in the lead up, planning and organising. I am privileged to be working with such dedicated champions.”
The charity partner for the day was Beani Bazar Cancer and General Hospital, a charity based in the UK that aims to create awareness of and provide medical treatment for disadvantaged cancer patients in Bangladesh.
Speaking after the event Abdul Samad, BBCH Trustee, commented, “This is a historic day for expatriate Beanibazaris, and it’s been so exciting to use football to bring our community together – with the added bonus of raising awareness of our marvellous projects at the hospital.”
Md Shab Uddin, CEO and Managing Director of Beanibazar Cancer Hospital, added, “Today’s spirit is powered by families representing their own villages in the Cup, and this will be the catalyst for greater unity amongst the old and young, whilst educating about our shared heritage. Well done everyone, you’ve all been fantastic!”
Beanibazar Sporting Club UK is dedicated to promoting unity, awareness and heritage education through a wide range of sports.
●Read more about this story: Beanibazar Sporting Club hold Village Cup Draw
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