Kool-BSJA Media Cup football gets underway in festive mood

The Kool-BSJA Media Cup football tournament, featuring 32 leading media houses, got underway at the Paltan Ground today in a festive mood, with eight teams -- Boishakhi TV, Daily Jugantor, News24, Prothom Alo, ATN Bangla, Channel I, Dhaka Tribune and Desh TV -- progressing into the Round of 16.

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) president Tabith Awal declared the knock-out tournament open as the chief guest, while National Sports Council secretary Mohammad Aminul Islam, sponsor Kool's brand manager Abid Bin Shahid, BSJA president Ariful Islam Babu and BSJA general secretary SM Sumon were among others present on the occasion.

"I want to thank BSJA for organising the Media Cup football tournament regularly because media personnel love to play football, and participation in the Media Cup tournament is a reflection of the journalists' love towards football," Tabith Awal said in his opening speech.

"You know the FIFA Grassroots Week is going on in Bangladesh, and the grassroots programme is also connected to non-traditional football. We will send the photos and video of the Media Cup football to FIFA," informed the BFF president.

On the opening day of the five-day tournament, Boishakhi TV beat SA TV 2–0, Daily Jugantor beat Manab Zamin 2–0, while Channel I beat Daily Ittefaq, Dhaka Tribune beat ATN News, ATN Bangla defeated Risingbd.com, and News24 beat Daily Kalbela -- all by a 1-0 margin.

However, the match between Prothom Alo and Machranga went to a shootout after regulation time ended in a goalless draw, and Prothom Alo won the match 3–2 in the tiebreaker. Meanwhile, Desh TV were given a walkover by Ekattor TV.

The tournament has been held for the last 25 years.