Jamal Bhuyan opened the third Ispahani Prothom Alo Inter-University Football Tournament with a warm and energetic touch. The national team captain came from Dhaka in the morning and hoisted the national flag during the anthem. His arrival set the tone for a busy and festive day at Chattogram District Stadium.
The stadium looked fresh and colourful. Balloons, banners and festoons covered the ground. The theme song “Goal… goal… goal” played inside, and students filled the stands with cheers and happy chants. Their excitement turned the area into a lively celebration.
The first match of the tournament added to the mood. Some fans enjoyed the action, while others felt the sting of early disappointment. But the mix of emotion gave the Chattogram phase a bright start.
Many familiar faces stood beside Jamal. Former national captains Ashrafuddin Ahmed Chunnu, Imtiaj Sultan Jony, Mamunul Islam and Zahid Hasan Emily joined the event. Their presence made the students even more thrilled, and many rushed to take selfies with Jamal.
Top officials also attended the ceremony. Mirza Salman Ispahani and Mirza Shakir Ispahani represented the Ispahani Group. Abdul Bari from the Chattogram District Sports Association and Prothom Alo joint editor Bishwajit Chowdhury were also present. The event ran under the hosting of the famous Bangladeshi sports journalist, Utpal Shuvro.
After Jamal raised the national flag, Mirza Salman Ispahani lifted the Ispahani flag. The guests then raised the tournament flag, the Prothom Alo flag and the Chattogram District Sports Association flag to mark the official opening.
