4th Edition of Bangabandhu Cup to Kick off on 27 May

Bangladesh, is getting ready to host the 4th edition of the prestigious Bangabandhu Kabaddi Cup. Scheduled from May 27th to June 3rd in Dhaka, the tournament promises to be a spectacle of athleticism, strategy, and nail-biting competition. This year's edition witnesses an exciting expansion, welcoming three new nations - Pakistan, South Korea, and Japan - to the international stage.

The Bangabandhu Cup, named after Bangladesh's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has quickly established itself as a premier Kabaddi tournament. Launched in 2021, it has witnessed Bangladesh's dominance, with the home team clinching the championship title an impressive three times in a row.

A Look at Bangabandhu Cup History

The inaugural edition of Bangabandhu Cup in 2021 saw five countries from three continents compete - Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka from Asia, Kenya from Africa, and Poland from Europe. Bangladesh emerged victorious, showcasing their exceptional skills and unwavering determination.

The following year, the tournament witnessed a significant expansion. Four new Asian teams – Iraq, Indonesia, and Malaysia – along with England from Europe joined the fray. Despite Poland's absence due to the Ukraine war, the competition intensified with eight teams vying for the coveted title. Once again, Bangladesh emerged triumphant, defeating Kenya in the finals.

The 2023 edition marked a new milestone with the participation of 12 teams across four continents. All eight teams from the previous edition, along with Poland from the inaugural year, returned to the competition. Argentina from South America, along with Thailand and Chinese Taipei from Asia, made their tournament debuts, adding a fresh international flavor to the mix.

Bangladesh continued their winning streak, clinching the championship trophy for the third consecutive time, with Chinese Taipei emerging as the runners-up. This victory also secured automatic qualification for both teams for the upcoming World Cup.

The 4th edition of the Bangabandhu Kabaddi Cup promises to be an even grander affair. The inclusion of Pakistan, South Korea, and Japan injects a new level of excitement and unpredictability into the tournament. These nations come with their own unique Kabaddi styles and skilled players, raising the bar for competition.

With Bangladesh aiming for a historic fourth consecutive title, the pressure will be on. However, formidable contenders like Kenya, who have consistently reached the finals, and other established teams like Iran and India (who are not participating this year) are undoubtedly eager to dethrone the champions. The addition of fresh faces like Pakistan, South Korea, and Japan further intensifies the competition, making it anyone's game.

The stage is set for a high-voltage tournament. With a unique blend of established powerhouses, rising contenders, and exciting newcomers, the 4th edition of the Bangabandhu Kabaddi Cup promises to be an unforgettable event for Kabaddi enthusiasts worldwide.