Panchagarh claimed their first TCL National Youth Men’s Handball title on Thursday at the Shaheed (Captain) M. Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium in Paltan, outplaying favourites Dhaka with pace, fitness and clear tactics to win 36–23.
They set the tone early and never released it. Panchagarh raced into space, moved the ball quickly and defended on the front foot. Dhaka chased shadows and trailed 18–9 at the break.
The numbers told the story but the approach explained it. Panchagarh kept transitions sharp, pressed aggressively and attacked the gaps. Dhaka, so fluent earlier in the tournament, struggled to match the tempo.
Earlier in the day, Kushtia took third place after beating Jessore 27–23. The bronze mattered, but the night belonged to the newcomers from the north.
Most of Panchagarh’s squad comes from Tetulia upazila. They train at a local handball academy run by district coach Naimul Islam Rubel. The academy charges nothing and builds players from ordinary lives.
Some of these boys study. Others work the fields. All of them trained through heat, shortages and limited time, then brought that resilience to the final.
Rubel felt the release after years of near misses. “It feels great to become champions for the first time,” he said. “We came close three times before and failed. The boys worked hard. We trained in adverse weather. We lack equipment and time. We run the programme with what the federation provides. With more support, we will do even better.” The honesty landed because the performance backed it up.
Ratul Uddin stood out and took the best player award. He framed the journey without drama. “We started playing in 2022,” he said. “We played age-group tournaments in India. I got called to the national camp in 2024 but did not play. Handball is very popular in our area. With sponsorship, many more players like me will come through.” His words matched the pathway on display.
After the final whistle, Tanvir Ahmed, Managing Director of sponsors Tanvir Constructions Limited, presented the trophy. Panchagarh lifted it knowing this title grew from roots, not shortcuts.
