Emdad Rahman
UNITED PATLI are celebrating after regaining the Jagannathpur Union Cup – after beating 2017 winners and four times finalists Syedpur and Shaharpara Union in the final.
Six of the official union teams took part in two groups of three, with the top two reaching the semi-finals.
Speaking after the showpiece event, Jagannathpur Chair Bokul Hussain said, “This is our fourth year delivering this football unity festival, and it serves many positive purposes, namely uniting a community, promoting fitness, healthy lifestyles, and interaction between the young – serving as a great scouting opportunity for the annual Greater Sylhet Upazila Cup.
“We are very pleased with the diverse turnout today and we also engaged the youngsters with an exhibition game for 5-8 year olds, led by our senior member Akik Miah. Well done Patli, and thank you everyone for the support and love.”
Sonali Othith Chair Jamal Uddin, who is from Jagannathpur himself, added, “The football has been great but even more so has the feeling of fun and friendship. Congratulations to Patli for back to back wins, and thank you to the organising team for really putting Jagannathpur on the map.”
The Human Relief Foundation sponsored Patli, and Khoyrul Shaheed concluded, “We are a charity that serves the grassroots, and we are committed to domestic projects too. Today has been about unity, health and happiness and we are always keen to support excellent initiatives like this.”
Jagannathpur is in Sylhet, Bangladesh and many UK citizens have first generation parents who are from the region. The Union Cup is an initiative to promote football and also educate youngsters of their roots at the same time.
•Read more about it: Orient thrash Harlow in Embleton debut Weavers are Masters Champions 2019!