The 31st National Hockey kicked-off with four matches held on Thursday at the Moulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium on Thursday.
Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Air Force, Meherpur and Patuakhali won their respective matches’ defeating their respective rivals. The meet got off in the morning however officially it was inaugurated in the afternoon.
Bangladesh Navy was in tremendous form as they dumped Gazipur District by incredible margin of 31-0 goals.
Bangladesh Air Force also drubbed their rival Rajshahi Division by 10-1 margin.
Patuakhali District beat Khulna district by 9-0 in a one-sided match.
Meherpur defeated Narail District by 3-1 margin.
Bangladesh Hockey Federation are organizing the meet and sponsored by ATN Bangla private television channel with 32 teams are taking part.
The participating teams are divided into eight groups and the top teams of each group will qualify for the quarterfinals. The final of the meet will be held on May 18.
Sports Minister Dr. Biren Sikder formally inaugurated the competition in the afternoon as chief guest.
Air Force Chief and President of Bangladesh Hockey Federation Air Marshal Abu Esrar, Abdus Sadeque general secretary of the federation, Khaja Rahmatullah and Abdur Rashid Sikder, the two vice presidents and Motahar Hossian, the program adviser of ATN Bangla were present on the occasion.
