Defending champions Bangladesh make a flying start in the fourth edition of prestigious Bangabandhu Cup 2024 International Kabaddi Tournament beating South Korea by 67-22 points with five lonas in the inaugural match held at the Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium, Dhaka on Sunday.
The hosts clearly dominated the first period of play by taking a 24-11 points lead.
Mizanur Rahman, the efficient raider scored 21 points arriving as the lone destroyer. There was nobody near to challenge Mizan for the crown of the man of the match. Bangladesh skipper Arduzzaman Munshi was also in fine form with 10 points beside his name.
After a cautious start by both the parties, it was Bangladesh who gradually stamped their authority. Arduzzaman and Co. inserted the first lona when Bangladesh's point was 11 and the second lona was earned while the point was 21.
The other three lonas came in the second half on 33, 43 and 45 points.
Bangladesh imposed a superb defending line regularly frustrating the Korean raiders who looked a little tired.
Bangladesh faces Malaysia in the second match of the tournament scheduled to be held today at 5 pm at the same venue.
Mizanur Rahman, who became the player of the opening match for his contribution in Bangladesh winning the match against stronger South Korea, said they wanted to continue the winning spree and win the fourth title of the tournament.
After winning the match, the raider said: "By the grace of the Almighty Allah we won the match. This is the tournament's fourth edition and we have won it three times. We won the opening game, which gave us a strong start, and every member of the team gave it their all. Hopefully, we'll continue the winning spree in the remaining matches and keep the title home."
About the day's victory, he said all of our players played well today and that's why our opponents could not stand and we won the match.
