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Monday | October 19, 2026 | Dhaka

BD beat Nepal in opener

Curtain rises on Begum Khaleda Zia IHF Nations Trophy
 Sports Reporter
 Published: 12:56 AM, 19 October 2026  Updated: 9:50 PM, 19 October 2026
State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque inaugurates the Begum Khaleda Zia IHF Nations Trophy by releasing the colourful balloons as chief guest at Shaheed Captain M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium on Sunday.

The opening ceremony of Begum Khaleda Zia International Handball Federation (IHF) Nations Trophy was held at Shaheed Captain M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium on Sunday.


State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque formally inaugurated the four-nation international handball competition for women by releasing the colourful balloons as the chief guest.

President of Bangladesh Handball Federation (BHF) Major General Abu Mohammed Sarwar Farid, General Secretary of BHF Md Salahuddin Ahmed was present at the time.

A total of four teams are taking part in the prestigious handball meet for women of South Asian Region.

They are: Hosts Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Maldives. The contingent of four teams took part in the march past.

Md Aminul Haque said, ” This initiative has been taken to build the sports sector with a professional approach and to properly evaluate players.

As part of this, directives to organise regular international and local tournaments have been given to all federations and implementation has already begun.”

Abu Mohammed Sarwar Farid said,” We have proudly dedicated this tournament to three-time prime minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia. She is a firm believer in women’s empowerment, equal rights, dignity and overall social progress-which remains an eternal inspiration for us.”

Later, a mesmerizing 15-minute long group dance and cultural exhibition were held at the centre of the field.

The first phase of the gala tournament is being held by single league basis.

Top two teams from the league will take part in the final. The final will be held on October 22.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh women’s handball team made an auspicious start after beating Nepal women’s handball team by 33-20 goals in their opening match at the same venue on the same day.

Bangladesh women had a satisfactory 13-9 goals lead in the first half.
Alpana Akter of Bangladesh scored seven goals, while Misti Khatun, Shymoli Ming netted six goals each.

Alpana Akter was adjudged the Player of the Match for her eye-catching performance.