The report stated that Vicky Park Rangers FC, a football club for young women aged 12-16, had not been able to book a training slot for its teams. The presenter interviewed Taner Baycanli, who describes himself as the (Vicky Park Rangers) Club Chairman. He told how the Club had booked a slot but then withdrew it and offered alternative slots that were not suitable. It was not made clear whether the report was live or not – but the presenter certainly rushed Taner and cut him off as soon as he had reported the basics.

One of the reasons why the presenter cut Taner up was to read a statement from Tower Hamlets Council. It was read in a hurried fashion, and it sounded like a summary of a longer statement, but the gist of it was: Tower Hamlets fully supports women’s participation in sport. They were offered a different slot on the same pitch or a nearby Council-run Leisure base turned down by the Club.

So far, so good… so what’s the problem? The problem is a statement from the said Taner Baycanli which had been circulating on social media in Tower Hamlets for some hours before the Today programme aired. The statement revealed that the booking issue had been resolved some twelve hours earlier – at 7.52pm on Friday, 29^th September, to be precise.

The statement went on to say that Mayor Lutfur Rahman and intervened and ensured that a satisfactory compromise was found.

It seems that the BBC would prefer to run a negative story about Tower Hamlets rather than an accurate one. Why the Council, when asked for a statement for broadcast, did not clarify that the matter had been resolved is not clear.

We know that we do not have enough pitches and sports spaces which are available at rates local teams with young players can afford to meet demand in Tower Hamlets. We can only hope that as many teams as possible can be accommodated – and can now concentrate on the game they play and those who play it.

●We approached the BBC and Tower Hamlets Council for comment, but at the time of publication neither has yet supplied a statement for publication.

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THE SONALI OTHITH UK Greater Sylhet Upazila Cup 2023 – the biggest footballing extravaganza within the Bangladeshi community in the UK – is back this Sunday.

The official draw took place last Saturday and allocated teams into four groups.

Group A
Beanibazar
Chhattak
Gulapganj
Balagonj

Group B
Fenchuganj
Derai
Bishwanath
Rajnagar

Group C
Sylhet Sadar
Dakshin Surma
Nabiganj
Dakshin Sunamganj

Group D
Moulvibazar
Barkekha
Osmaninagar
Jagannathpur

Secretary General Joynal Abdin Miah Gulzar said, “The biggest football tournament within the Bangladeshi community in the UK is back. This showpiece football celebration gets better every year, and this year we welcome Fenchuganj to the family. We look forward to another historic and memorable day.”

Players from all over the UK will participate in this prestigious tournament, which will be played on Sunday, 20th August at Mabley Green in Hackney. Previous winners are:
Balagonj and Osmani Nagor
Osmani Nagor (twice)
Chatak
Nabigonj
Bishwanath

●For more information about the Upazila Cup 2023, go to:
Sonali Othith Upazila Cup 2023

●To catch up with the news in East London, go to:
East London News

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SYLHET SADAR United Football Club has hosted its much anticipated official Team Kit launch and Award Giving Ceremony of 2023. The event was held at the Maedah Grill Restaurant, East London.

The prestigious event was presided over by Shaista Miah, Vice President of Sylhet Sadar Utd Football Club, and was conducted by EC member Abdus Salam. The club members reserved special thanks for their sponsors: WPC, J4 Security, and MK Galacticos.

The ceremony was attended by a mix of personalities from diverse backgrounds, including influential businesspeople, notable community personalities, politicians, former sports figures, journalists, reporters and members of the Sadar United Football Team.

Speeches were delivered by:
•Shastha Miah, Vice Chair of Sylhet Sadar FC;
•Jewel Choudhury, MD of J4 Security;
•Ahmed US Samad Choudhury, Chair of Channel S;
•Barrister Luftur Rahman, Director of WPC;
•Kawsar Zaman, Alderman of the City of London;
•prominent journalist Nazrul Islam Bashan;
•Ahbab Hussain, former Speaker of Tower Hamlets Council,
•Nahas Pasha, Editor of Janomot Weekly and Curry Life;
•Councillors Bodrul Choudhury and Abdal Ullah;
•Foyaz Uddin, Manager of Sylhet Sadar Football Club;
•Mohammed Shofiq, Bureau Chief, ATN Sylhet;
•Jamal Khan;
•Mahmood Ali;
•Towhid Ahmed, BBT Newspaper chief editor;
•Syed Tanim Mojmadar;
•Anwar Khan; and
•Jamal Uddin, President Sonali Othith UK.

The event also celebrated the presence of former footballers Ferdous Ahmed, Mahtab Hussain and Iqbal Ahmed, along with executive members of Sylhet Sadar Football Club Helal Uzzaman, Habibur Rahman, Shayekh Mazumdar, Tariq Ali and Sahed Ahmed.

A special segment recognised and honored outstanding contributors to Sadar United Football Club. Crests and awards were presented to Barrister Luftur Rahman, Jewel Choudhury, Md Rashed Ahmed, Shahed Ahmed, Josim Alam Miah, Shayek Majumdar and Md Humayain Kobir. The event sponsors were also acknowledged with jerseys and t-shirts as tokens of appreciation.

The evening was concluded with a closing speech by Abdul Khaher, Chair of Sylhet Sadar FC, who extended his warm thanks to all attendees and gave a special shoutout to the event’s key sponsors, WPC, and J4S Security. Additionally, he acknowledged the coverage and support from various media outlets including Channel S, NTV, ATN, 2A News, London Bangla Voice, BBT, and Q News.

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BANGLADESH HAS BEEN crowned winners of the Inner London Football League for the second time. An astonishing final saw Bangladesh beat Nigeria 6-2

The early group games commenced with Bangladesh facing Nigeria, and it was the past champions who drew first blood by taking a 2-0 lead into half-time courtesy of Sadiq Ahmed and Ahbab Hussain. A talented and ultra fit Nigeria turned the screw in the second half and came back strong with three goals to completely turn the game on its head.

The introduction of Gulzar Hussain enabled the wingers to exploit the flanks and Abul Hasnath (Polash) skipped in to level the game at 3-3. More importantly, an astonishing double save from Helal Uz Zaman was critical to Bangladesh avoiding defeat.

With a challenging first game out of the way, the second group fixture against Turkiye was a smoother affair as Team Bangladesh used their on-field familiarity and composure to exert their influence across the pitch. Ash Rahman and Abdul Muquith Dipon were durable at the back and a resounding 6-1 victory was the outcome. Two goals from Hashu Miah and Polash set the ball rolling, with Ahbab and Sadiq completing the win.

The third game against tournament favourites Portugal was a tight affair. With captain Abdul Wahid instrumental, Bangladesh took a comfortable two goal lead through Sadiq and Hashu before the dangerous Portuguese pulled one back. Stout defending from the outstanding Emranul Hoque alongside Aminur Rahman and the strong forward hold up play of Abdul-Kaium Ali were key features of the game as Bangladesh progressed to the semi-finals to face World Cup holders Colombia.

The last four encounter was a marked display of the winning temperament and camaraderie within the squad as for the first time in the tournament Bangladesh fell behind to an early goal. A test of character was in order but Bangladesh remained patient in possession and belief, and a succession of three quick substitutions resulted in three goals.

Wahid converted from the spot as Colombia conceded a penalty. Hashu changed the game with a crucial second, and the indomitable Shiblu Miah wrapped up an impressive 3-1 win with a rasping drive.

Team Bangladesh:
Management team:
Emdad Rahman MBE (Head Coach)
Muhammed Nashir (Assistant Manager)
Hassan Abdullah – Abdul Aziz – Abdul Basit – Jakir Ahmed – Abdul Hakim – Helal Uz Zaman –
Abdul Hanif – Ashrafur Khan – Abdul Muquith (Dipon) – Emranul Hoque – Abdul Wahid
– Gulzar Hussain – Ruhul Amin (Alamin) – Abul Hasnath (Polash) – Sadiq Ahmed –
Aminur Rahman – Ahbab Hussain – Shiblu Miah – Hassan Abdullah 

The final was a spectacle, and the greatest this competition has seen as Bangladesh romped home 6-2 against a very competent Nigerian team. The Super Eagles had seen off England in the semi-finals on penalties and faced the Tigers in a repeat of their first group game.

The resounding win saw Bangladesh take an outstanding 4-0 lead into the half time break courtesy of Polash, Wahid (pen), Kaium and Hashu. The opposition came back strong and just like the first head to head, the Eagles scored two quick fire second-half goals in a minute to completely open up the final.

Bangladesh had learnt from that first encounter and Ruhul Amin (Alamin) scored a crucial fifth to add breathing space. The nippy winger sealed a historic win with a sixth. Abdul Hanif and Hassan Abdullah came on to join Wahid as double World Cup winners.

Bangladesh dominance during the game allowed every single squad member to be rotated throughout the final. Tigers’ Captain Wahid lifted the World Cup amid jubilant scenes as Emdad Rahman’s men retained the crown they last won in 2018.

World Cup co-ordinator Nanu Miah commented, “Today we have witnessed another historic day as we brought together and used football as a spectacle to showcase the very best of our communities here in Britain. We are proud to have united our communities. Well done Bangladesh – this great event will inspire many people, young and old.”

Inner London Football League Chair Rashid Ali added, “A magnificent achievement by the two time winners and respect and all credit are reserved for the head coach, the backroom team and the players for entertaining us all with dazzling football throughout the day – you are all worthy winners.”

Bangladesh Head Coach Emdad Rahman concluded, “This result is right up there with the very best and it was a day when Bangladesh were brilliant, playing a mouthwatering brand of football that oozed class and sophistication from start to finish.

“This squad takes community responsibility very seriously and we hope this triumph will inspire and benefit numerous people in numerous ways. I want to thank my players and my management team for winning with style and dignity. Thank you to the Inner London Football League and Chair Rashid Ali for having the faith to hand me leadership of this distinguished and exceptional team.”

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THE THIRD Inner London Football League Vets World Cup is set to go ahead on Sunday, 6th August.

Players, all over 35 years of age, will be grouped in teams representing their country of origin and will go head to head at Mabley Green, Hackney. The one-day tournament will include group games, knockout stages and the final itself. Among the teams participating will be inaugural winners, Bangladesh, and current holders Colombia.

Tournament Technical Director Nanu Miah commented, “Sunday promises to be a special day when all representatives will unite to provide a footballing spectacle of which we can all be proud. Apart from football, the World Cup provides us all with a unique opportunity to come together to celebrate our important contributions to society.”

Inner London Football League Chair Rashid Ali added, “The ILFL is proud to once again host an event which unites, through sport, goodwill and competitive football. Sunday will be a great day of entertainment and everyone is invited to join in through playing, supporting and sharing.”

The Inner London Football League Vets World Cup takes place at Mabley Green, Hackney, on Sunday, 6th August.

●●Read more about football:
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THE FREEDOM CUP 2023 will take place at Mabley Green, Hackney on 23rd July. The much heralded Bangladeshi heritage sporting event, which is sponsored by ICON College, has been organised by the Inner London Football League and the 50 Active Club.

Teams confirmed for the Freedom Cup are:

Athletic Lutonians – H&E – Wapping – Bishwanth – Camden Vets – Shoreditch Vets – BB Legends – North West Utd – Mohammadan – Poplar – Sussex 11 – Bongobir Osmani – Boss 1966 – Companionship FC – Beaumont Masters – Mathiura Sporting Club

The football spectacle for 35+ and 50+ players celebrates the birth of Bangladeshi and the peoples struggle for freedom and independence. Inner London Football League Chair Rashid Ali commented, “We kickstart the summer football festival period with this exciting tournament, which will educate and raise awareness of the birth of Bangladesh.

“It will be an important day to bring people together and highlight the sacrifices of the Bangladeshi people in their fight for freedom. Football is a great platform which we will use to celebrate Bangladesh and honour the fallen and those who formed the resistance.”

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EIGHT TEAMS took to the field at Southbury Leisure Centre in a bid to be crowned champions of the Nahid Cup.

This is the second time the memorial has been played. It began last year to commemorate the tragic death of 26 year old Nahid Ahmed and to highlight the destructive effects of knife crime on communities.

In September 2020 Nahid was stabbed to death by Abdi Ibrahim Osman, outside a block of flats in Enfield. At the Old Bailey Osman pleaded guilty to murder and received a life sentence with a minimum of 23 years.

Nahid’s family have relentlessly campaigned to stamp out knife crime, and the annual football festival is now an important platform to spread the message, raise awareness and educate people on how far-reaching the effects of knife crime are on communities.

Team Nahid, managed by Nahid’s uncle Monwar Hussain, reached the final for the second year – before losing 2-0 to Peaky Blinders in the tournament decider. The event raised over £1,000 for charity.

Nahid’s mother Rushanara said, “I am grateful for all the love and support that we have received from everyone. Knife crime continues to be an epidemic in this country and has torn families and communities apart. We will continue to raise awareness in Nahid’s memory and spread the universal message of peace and love. Thank you to all the footballers, sponsors and supporters for the incredible support and well done to all teams taking part today.”

●To catch up with the news in East London, go to:
East London News

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IT WAS A CASE of success at last as FC Piror Chok cruised to the title of the Beanibazar Village Cup of 2023.

The smallest squad in a tournament of over 40 teams was extraordinary throughout as they went on to defeat a much fancied Chutodesh 1-0 in the final with a goal from the outstanding Shah Islam.

Piror Chok started the day with a 7-1 hammering of Greater Fotehpur followed by a 3-2 defeat of Purushpal 1. Thereafter saw a 0-0 draw with Mathiura Purbabor, a 1-0 win over Chondogram and the group stages were rounded off with a resounding 4-0 defeat of Baurbagh 1.

The last sixteen clash with Nobang was tight and ended in a 1-1 draw and penalties. Pirorchok player manager and captain Aslam Hussain saved two spot kicks as Abul Hussain and Shah Islam converted to send Pirorchok through. Shah Islam was again the difference as the Aberfeldy man scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Matizura in their last eight clash.

A cagey semi final clash with Kangli again went to penalties after a 0-0 draw. Abul Hussain and Shah Islam were on target from the spot as the exemplary Aslam Hussain produced another two decisive penalty saves.

There was no time to celebrate as the final kicked off against Chutodesh and a sterling team performance led by the old warhorse and Beanibazar legend Abul Hussain saw the indomitable Shah Islam score the winner.

There was ecstasy and disbelief at the same time as Pirorchok lifted the Beanibazar Village Cup of 2023.

The success of the small village of Pirorchok was even greater considering that the team had no substitutes throughout the day. When the tournament started in 2021 Pirorchok were the last team to enter the Beanibazar Village Cup as they struggled to field a team to compete.

Player manager and captain Aslam Hussain was unanimously named man of the tournament for his crucial penalty saves throughout the day. He commented, “We have played every final since the tournament began and some would say it is very much a case of third time lucky. We believe otherwise as twice, despite such great disappointment, we have gone on to reflect and rebuild. We never gave up hope and today our spirit and character perfectly matched our fight on the field. Congratulations to the boys and thank you to all our supporters.”

Beanibazar Sporting Club President Mesba Ahmed added, “The Beanibazar Village Cup is a unique concept and has been organised to bring all generations of the expatriate greater Beanibazar UK community together. Today we have been treated to a feast of fantastic football but the greatest pleasure has been seeing so many generations of people coming together to enjoy a memorable day. Congratulations to Pirorchok and our commiserations to Chutodesh who were worthy finalists.”

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THE EAGERLY awaited Sonali Othith UK Masters is returning to Hackney for what promises to be another sizzling event.

The invitation-only veterans football tournament is among the oldest in the UK Bangladeshi community and has a longstanding tradition of highly entertaining football.

This year promises to be no less exciting, and teams from across the country will lock horns to see who can dethrone current kings NFA Leeds. The northern powerhouses are the first and only non-London winners of this prestigious trophy.

Sonali Othith Chair Jamal Uddin commented, “We welcome all teams, all supporters and thank the community, including our sponsors, for helping bring back this great spectacle and great community tradition.”

Secretary Joynal Abdun Miah added, “The Masters pits the best against the best, and this year we look forward to kickstarting another summer of great football.”

●The Sonali Othith Masters will take place at Mabley Green on Sunday, 14th May 2023.

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FC Kurar Bazar beat Akakhazana 2-0 during an end to end final at Kurar Bazar School Fields. The victors were led by Docklands Football Club and Ekota Academy Head Coach Emdad Rahman, who was assisted by Shablu Ahmed. The away team were crowned champions and took home the spoils from a 16 team Ward tournament.

Before warm up, the team took part in a community litter pick in the local bazaar as part of their active citizens programme. The initiative has been well received by locals.

DFC Kurar Bazar 2023

•Head coach: Emdad Rahman
•Team assistant: Shablu Ahmed

•Team:  Farhan Ahmed – Mahfuj Rahman – Tanvir Ahmed – Foysol Ahmed – Ahmed Olid – Younus Rahman – Forhad Husen – Kamran Ahmed – Ashraf Ahmed – Saif Uddin – Abu Sahid

•Man of the tournament: Younus Rahman

In the tenth minute Luqman Ahmed misjudged the bounce of the ball from a long punt by Mahfujur Rahman. As the ball spun, causing havoc in the defence, Kamran Ahmed capitalised by driving home a rasping half volley on the turn past goalkeeper Shahed Ahmed.

DFC Kurar Bazar controlled the first half, with Tanvir Ahmed and Saif Uddin going close. The second half started as did the first, with Foysol Ahmed linking with Abu Sahid to stem constant pressure from the home team. It was on the counter that DFC Captain Ahmed Olid scored the crucial second goal after being played through by Ashraf Ahmed.

A minute later a foul in the penalty area led to a penalty for Akakhazana, which struck goalkeeper Farhan Ahmed’s bar and went over. An immediate and long punt by Ahmed was knocked on by Younus Rahman and handled in the penalty area by Rahat Rahman – for another penalty. Forhad Husen’s rocket shot was precise but the lack of accuracy saw the ball blaze high and wide.

Good game management and tightened possession in the middle of the park saw DFC cruise home as referee Foisol Kabir blew the final whistle to end an entertaining game. Abdul Mumit, Mahbub Ahmed and Jahangir Ahmed were guests of honour at the game and handed out trophies to all participants.

DFC Head Coach Emdad Rahman MBE commented, “This was a blood-and-thunder local derby played with great decorum and friendship. Both teams are neighbours and the relationship between each set of players and the coaches goes back generations. Naturally we share commiserations with Akakhazana, who did superbly to navigate a 16 team tournament. I’m very proud of the boys and how well they stuck to the game plan today.”

Rahman has been supporting the youngsters over a number of years with backing from the players and management at Docklands Football Club in providing coaching, mentoring and kits. Special thanks were reserved for Kamrul Islam Shujon for his rousing live match commentary on a sound system.

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