Dhaka – Bangladesh Ansar & VDP emerged victorious in both the men’s and women’s categories at the 8th National Kho-Kho Championship 2025, demonstrating their dominance in the traditional sport. The thrilling finale took place on Sunday at the historic Paltan Maidan, where Ansar secured the men’s title by defeating Chattogram district with an 8-point margin. In a nail-biting women’s final, the team narrowly overcame Nilphamari district by just one point, with six minutes remaining, to claim the championship.

The women’s third-place match saw Gazipur district triumph over Jashore district, while in the men’s third-place contest, Nilphamari district secured the position by defeating Bagerhat district. The tournament was organized by the Bangladesh Kho-Kho Federation, with Mercantile Bank serving as the principal sponsor and Bangladesh Biman Airlines providing support. The three-day event commenced on Friday at Paltan Maidan and featured a total of 24 district teams, including Bangladesh Ansar & VDP.

During the closing ceremony, Mercantile Bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Asim Kumar Saha, attended as the chief guest and presented trophies and awards to the champions. Bangladesh Biman Airlines’ Deputy General Manager, Sheikh Mostafizur Rahman, joined as a special guest, while the event was presided over by Bangladesh Kho-Kho Federation President A H M Ziaul Haque. Also present were the federation’s General Secretary Mir Kayeshar Sadik, Tournament Committee Chairman Engr. Abdur Muktadir, and Member Secretary Matiur Rahman Babul.

The competition drew attention not only for its intense matches but also for exceptional individual performances. Among the standout participants was Luba Akter, a 12-year-old student from Nilphamari district in the girls’ division. Luba, a fifth-grade student, showcased remarkable skill and agility, impressing spectators throughout the tournament and earning recognition as one of the event’s most talented young athletes.

The victory by Bangladesh Ansar & VDP reinforces their reputation as a powerhouse in national kho-kho competitions, demonstrating strong teamwork, strategy, and endurance across both divisions. Organizers highlighted that the event serves as a platform to promote traditional sports among young athletes and to encourage participation from across the country’s districts.

Throughout the three-day championship, teams displayed high levels of competitiveness and sportsmanship. Each match was closely contested, with spectators enjoying dynamic plays, swift movements, and strategic coordination on the field. The narrow margin in the women’s final, in particular, underscored the rising standard of competition in the sport, showcasing the growing talent pool in districts beyond the traditional strongholds.

Officials from the Bangladesh Kho-Kho Federation emphasized the importance of nurturing grassroots talent and providing opportunities for young athletes to excel at both district and national levels. The success of players like Luba Akter is seen as a positive indicator of the next generation of kho-kho athletes who could represent Bangladesh in international competitions in the future.

The championship also highlighted the significance of corporate support in promoting traditional sports. Mercantile Bank’s sponsorship and the logistical support from Bangladesh Biman Airlines ensured smooth organization of the matches, while also elevating the profile of kho-kho as a nationally celebrated sport. Organizers expressed their gratitude to the sponsors for their continued involvement in fostering athletic development and encouraging youth participation in physical activities.

By winning both titles, Bangladesh Ansar & VDP set a benchmark for excellence in the national kho-kho arena. Their performance throughout the tournament reflected not only physical fitness but also tactical awareness, coordination, and determination, serving as an inspiration for other district teams and young players aiming for national recognition.

The 8th National Kho-Kho Championship 2025 concluded on a celebratory note, with champions receiving accolades and appreciation from organizers, officials, and spectators alike. The event successfully combined competitive spirit with cultural appreciation for traditional sports, reinforcing kho-kho’s position as a popular and respected game in Bangladesh.

Looking ahead, the Bangladesh Kho-Kho Federation has expressed its commitment to organizing future tournaments with even greater participation and enhanced standards. By promoting young talent and supporting competitive opportunities, the federation aims to elevate the sport to new heights and prepare athletes for regional and international challenges.

The championship underscored the importance of sports in fostering discipline, teamwork, and national pride among young athletes. With players like Luba Akter making a mark at such an early age, the future of kho-kho in Bangladesh appears promising, blending tradition with emerging talent to maintain the sport’s popularity and competitive edge.