Bangladesh’s first International Airlines Football Championship (AFC) 2026 began in Dhaka on Friday, bringing together 16 domestic and international airlines for a two day futsal tournament.
The competition, held under the theme “One Sky, One Field, One Champion,” opened at the Gulshan Youth Club Turf Ground. The final will be played on July 4.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque inaugurated the tournament. The opening ceremony was also attended by Argentine Ambassador Marcelo Carlos Cesa and Brazilian Ambassador Paulo Fernando Dias Feres.
Speaking at the event, Aminul Haque said Bangladeshis are passionate about football, especially when it comes to Brazil and Argentina. He said such tournaments can help promote the sport in the country and inspire young players.
He said, “One day Bangladesh football will also reach a stage where the people of the country will celebrate the national team with the same passion and excitement. I hope more initiatives like this will help promote sports across the country.”
Brazilian Ambassador Paulo Fernando Dias Feres said football is much more than a competition for Brazilians.
He said, “For Brazilians, football is not only about competition. It is also a symbol of joy. Winning is important, but enjoying the game is even more important.”
Addressing football fans in Bangladesh, he added, “Football is a game of peace and harmony. Support your favourite team and enjoy the game, but let everything remain peaceful. Rivalry should stay only on the field, not outside it.”
Argentine Ambassador Marcelo Carlos Cesa said football brings together people from different countries and cultures.
He said, “Football unites people from different nations and cultures. It has built a bridge of friendship among the people of Bangladesh, Argentina and Brazil.”
He added, “I hope football in Bangladesh continues to move forward and that young players are able to fulfil their dreams. I also hope tournaments like this will continue in the future.”
Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kaiser Sohel Ahmed said the championship is more than just a sporting event.
He said, “Football brings people together. This tournament is not only a competition. It will strengthen friendship, cooperation and professional relationships among domestic and international aviation partners.”
He added, “As Bangladesh works towards becoming a regional aviation hub, such interaction will play an important role. We may compete on the field, but outside it we will continue to work together. That is the true spirit of this tournament.”
ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar said Bangladesh’s aviation sector has grown significantly over the past decade.
He said, “There has long been a need for a common platform where local and international aviation professionals could strengthen relationships outside the workplace. I believe the Airlines Football Championship will help fulfil that need.”
Tournament Director and ATJFB Organizing Secretary Md Adnan Rahman said AFC 2026 is more than a football tournament.
He said, “AFC 2026 is an initiative to strengthen harmony, networking and cooperation among domestic and international airlines operating in Bangladesh. We have tried our best to deliver an international standard event and hope to make it one of the aviation sector’s most prestigious annual sporting competitions.”
The participating airlines are Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, NOVOAIR, Air Astra, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Turkish Airlines, Air Arabia, IndiGo, Ethiopian Airlines, Air India, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Silk Way West Airlines and flydubai.
