Nat'l bridge team bound for Bangkok

A nine-member Bangladesh national bridge team is set to take part in the 9th Asia Pacific Bridge Federation (APBF) Open Congress 2024 to be held in Bangkok, Thailand on May 18-27.

Director of the Department of Narcotics Control Mohammad Monirul Islam has been made captain of the team, while assistant engineer of Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Ltd (RPGCL) Md Rashedul Hassan Ripon was made Manager.

Naemul Hasan Tapu, the General Secretary of the Bridge Federation, said, despite being a prestigious one, bridge competition currently struggles for recognition and support from the government.

Financial woes had long plagued the federation with meager annual grants from the National Sports Council rendering domestic tournaments financially untenable, he said. Reluctance to participate in international competitions stemmed from this fiscal predicament, he added. Despite financial constraints, initiatives were taken to recruit bridge enthusiasts from various universities, said Mr Tapu.

[email protected]