Mahbub Piyal, Faridpur

Spreading new enthusiasm across the local sports scene, the Shahid Sufi Jhinik Football Tournament 2026 was inaugurated through a grand ceremony in Faridpur. The official jerseys for the 12 participating teams were also unveiled during the inauguration.

The opening ceremony took place on Friday afternoon at the historic Ambika Maidan in Faridpur. The tournament is organized by the Shahid Sufi Social Welfare Association and sponsored by the Karim Group.

Mohammad Jahangir Mia, prominent businessman and proprietor of Karim Group, attended as the chief guest and officially declared the tournament open. Wahid Mia Kuti also joined the event via teleconference to deliver a greeting address.

Hosted by sports enthusiast Md. Saifuzzaman Mukta, the ceremony featured speeches from distinguished physician Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Shamim, Motiur Rahman Shamim, Professor Yusuf Ali, and Dr. Ali Akbar Biswas.

Speakers emphasized that regular sports play a vital role in the physical and mental development of the youth. They stressed the need for organizing such events regularly to encourage young people to engage more in sports, while also calling for year-round sporting competitions at Faridpur's historic Ambika Maidan.

Prior to the formal opening, the jerseys for all 12 competing teams were presented to the players. Following the ceremony, two highly competitive opening-day matches took place, generating immense excitement among the spectators.

Organizers shared that the final match of the tournament is scheduled for August 21.

The event was attended by local dignitaries, sports lovers, and a large audience, including Mir Rezaul Islam, Shahidul Islam Likhon, Mahbubur Rahman, Chowdhury Ziaul Hasan, Mohammad Salim, Ajit Gupta Hari, and Abul Kashem Bhola.