'We are making our Kabaddi popular in the world landscape' says BKF president Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun ahead of 4th Edition of Bangabandhu Cup

The prestigious Bangabandhu Cup International Kabaddi tournament returns for its fourth edition, kicking off on May 26th at the Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium in Mirpur, Bangladesh. Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF) president Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun said that they are trying to make Kabaddi popular in the world.

The tournament boasts participation from a record-breaking 12 countries, hailing from diverse regions across the globe. Europe will be represented by Poland, while Africa sends Kenya and Uganda. Asia welcomes powerhouses like Japan and South Korea, alongside familiar faces from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Of course, host nation Bangladesh will be eager to defend their title.

The Bangabandhu Cup serves a dual purpose: promoting kabaddi internationally and fostering domestic growth. Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, Inspector General of Police and President of the Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF), expressed his commitment to these goals: "Our efforts to develop Kabaddi through various programs are continuing. Along with this, we are making our national game kabaddi popular in the world landscape."

The BKF's vision extends beyond the tournament itself. Plans to build a dedicated kabaddi complex in Dhaka highlight their dedication to establishing Bangladesh as a kabaddi powerhouse.

The Bangabandhu Cup's journey began in 2021, coinciding with the birth centenary of Bangladesh's founding father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. It started with just six participating nations amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the tournament has steadily gained traction, attracting eight teams in 2022 and a record-breaking 12 this year.

Bangladesh has established itself as a dominant force in the Bangabandhu Cup, securing an impressive hat-trick of victories under the leadership of skipper Tuhin Tarafdar. Their success story began in 2021 with a momentous first-ever international tournament victory against Kenya. This triumph was repeated in 2022, followed by a remarkable win against Chinese Taipei in 2023. This year, the Bangladeshi team aims to maintain their winning streak.

The BKF's vision goes beyond national dominance. By inviting teams from Europe and Africa, they aim to transform the Bangabandhu Cup into a continental spectacle. Twelve teams will be divided into two groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. This format promises thrilling competition and high-stakes matches.

Where to Watch Bangabandhu Cup

All matches will be broadcasted live through T Sports, ensuring that kabaddi enthusiasts across Bangladesh can witness the action unfold. This extensive coverage plays a crucial role in raising awareness and igniting passion for the sport within the Bangladeshi population.

The Bangabandhu Cup's evolution reflects the growing popularity of kabaddi on a global scale. With Bangladesh at the helm, this tournament serves as a catalyst for the sport's international expansion. As BKF President Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun stated, "Our efforts are underway to make a separate kabaddi complex in Dhaka." Initiatives like this infrastructure development further solidify Bangladesh's dedication to becoming a hub for kabaddi excellence.

The 4th edition of the Bangabandhu Cup promises not only fierce competition but also a significant step in popularizing kabaddi on the world stage. With increased international participation and extensive media coverage, this tournament paves the way for a future where kabaddi transcends geographical boundaries and captures the hearts of sports fans worldwide.