13th Rafi Smriti T-20 Gold Cup Cricket Tournament Inaugurated in Paroikora

A. N.M Tajwar Alam

Chittagong Bureau    |    ০৬:০০ পিএম, ২০২৫-০২-০৯

The 13th Rafi Smriti T-20 Gold Cup Cricket Tournament-2025 was inaugurated in a grand ceremony at the Paroikora Noitara High School Ground in Anwara. Organized by the Rotary Community Core (R.C.C.) Bhingrol, the tournament was launched on February 8, 2025, at 10 AM by Mr. Morshed Hossain Chowdhury, Panel Chairman of the 9th Paroikora Union Parishad.

The chief guest of the event was Dr. Rownak Jahan, the mother of Rafi and former Head of the Gynecology Department at Rangamati Medical College Hospital. She stated, "Though we lost Rafi at a young age, he still lives on in our hearts. This tournament is organized to keep his memory alive. Through sports, young people will grow into disciplined and responsible citizens. This tournament will play a significant role in their mental and physical development."

The main speaker was Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, Editor of Daily Amader Chattogram and President of the Bangladesh Editor Forum. He said, "The responsibility of running the country lies on the shoulders of the youth. Leadership will emerge through the courageous enthusiasm of the youth. Sports bring the youth together, teaching them discipline and unity and showing the way out of the chains of servitude. Just like the youth of Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Sylhet, young people in Anwara must step forward. The youth must take the lead in the fight against fascism and exploitation. They must be shaped in such a way that they can stand by the oppressed, speak the truth, and fight against injustice."

Special guests included journalist Munir Chowdhury, Founder-President of the Rafi Smriti Library, and Alhaj Nurul Kabir, Chittagong Bureau Chief of MyTV. The welcoming speech was delivered by M. Jasim Uddin Chowdhury, President of the Rafi Smriti Cricket Tournament Management Committee. The event was chaired by Md. Delowar Hossain, President of Rotary Community Core (R.C.C.) Bhingrol.

In the inaugural match, Anwara Cricket XI defeated Bhingrol Cricket XI. Both teams displayed impressive performances, creating great excitement among the spectators.

The event was hosted by Mohammad Farid (Moni) and Mohammad Selim Uddin. Also present were Md. Abu Bakkar Soudagar, Md. Touhidul Islam Member, Md. Sheikh Abdullah, Md. Mostak, Rashed Uddin Parvez, Assistant Editor of Daily Amader Chattogram A. N. M. Tajwar Alam, Staff Photojournalists Nurul Azam, Imon, Shahid, and Arman, as well as local dignitaries and journalists.

The event turned Paroikora into a vibrant celebration with a large gathering of sports enthusiasts. Club members Md. Ramin, Jamsed, Jisan, Shami, Tasim, Md. Fahim, Yusuf, Rifat, Russell, Abid, and countless spectators attended the tournament. The tournament is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Islamabad, Chittagong. Organizers hope that this tournament will inspire more youth to engage in sports and play a key role in raising their social awareness.