The 7th edition of the Yonex Sunrise Bangladesh International Challenge 2019 Badminton Tournament will begin today in the city, dedicating to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“A total of 19 nations will take part in the tournament organised by Bangladesh Badminton Federation (BBF) under the supervision of World Federation Badminton Asia (WFBA),” BBF President and Information Secretary Abdul Malek on Monday said at a press conference held at Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium in the city.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Zahid Ahsan Russel will inaugurate the tournament at 2 pm at the wooden floor of the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium adjacent to the Bangabandhu National Stadium, he added.
“We dedicate the international tournament to the memory of Father of the Nation on the occasion of Bangabandhu’s birth centenary on March 17 next. We are paying rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu and the national four leaders from this press conference,” the BBF president said.
A total of 168 competitors, including 112 men and 56 women, from 19 countries will take part in the tournament, Malek said, adding that competitions of the senior category will be held from December 10 to 15 while junior category from December 17 to 22.
The participating countries are Australia, Canada, China, Egypt, India, Japan, Maldives, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, America, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Mauritius, Ireland, Vietnam, Iran, Wales and host country Bangladesh, he said.
BBF Vice-President Jahurul Islam Swapan, General Secretary Amir Hossain Bahar and Chief Executive Mashiur Rahman and other officials were present at the press conference.
Yonex Sunrise Company of Singapore is funding the tournament as the title and equipment sponsor while Beximco Communications Limited (Akash), Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Premium Bank Limited and Index Group will finance the tournament as co-sponsors.
Bangladesh Cricket Board will work as the event partner while ATN Bangla, a private television channel, will work as the media partner of the tournament.
