The curtain-raiser of the Bangabandhu Gold Cup is set for a low-key affair as the Bangladesh Football Federation has decided keep some attractions reserved for the closing ceremony. The much-awaited Cup kicks-off with the match between hosts Bangladesh and Malaysia Under-23 at the Sylhet District Stadium on January 29. The opening ceremony will start an hour before the kick-off as finance minister and the chairman of the tournament organising committee — Abul Maal Abdul Muhith — will officially inaugurate the event.
The modest show is likely to feature country’s singers Mila and Shuvro Dev as well as Manipuri dance, informed ceremonies committee chairman Shamsul Haque Chowdhury.
The Sylhet venue will host the first three group stage matches as well as the first semi-final.
A giant screen has already been installed on the so-called ‘the gateway to Sylhet’ — Keane Bridge — for the fans to watch the games.
‘The BFF is planning big for the closing ceremony with laser show projecting the history of Bangladesh sports. There will also be cultural show followed by firecrackers,’ said Shamsul.
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina will be present as the chief guest during the final and the closing ceremony.
The BFF on Monday also officially introduced all the sponsors of the tournament to the media.
There were representatives from presenting partners AB Bank, air partner Novo Air, beverage partner Muscan Water, broadcasting partner Channel 9, and other official partners Ha-meem Group, National Bank, Madhumati Bank and Beximco Group.
BFF president Kazi Salahuddin said he was pleased to see that such big corporate houses to come forward to sponsor the tournament and hoped that they also will stick with the BFF in future.
Channel 9, BTV World and Fox Sports will broadcast the match live.
Malaysia U-23 team will be the first team to arrive at Dhaka this morning and will leave for Sylhet at 12:00pm.
-With New Age input
