With an aim to keep the young generation away from the grim clutches of drugs and encourage them towards sports, the 'Sangalshi Inter-Ward' Anti-Drug Cricket Tournament was held in Sangalshi Union of Nilphamari. Ward No. 7 clinched the championship title after securing a massive victory in a thrilling final match.
The final match, organized by the local Sports Federation, took place on Friday afternoon (July 3) at the Uttar Dighaldangi Barunir Danga ground in Sangalshi Union.
Winning the tax and opting to bat first, Ward No. 7 set a massive total of 196 runs losing 5 wickets in their stipulated 12 overs. Chasing a mountain-like target of 197 runs, the Ward No. 6 team faced a severe batting collapse. They were eventually bundled out for a mere 118 runs in 11.3 overs. As a result, Ward No. 7 sealed the title with a comprehensive 78-run victory.
Following the match, prizes were distributed among the winners in a grand ceremony. The event was presided over by Ziaur Rahman, former president of Sangalshi Union BNP, where the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Nilphamari, Mohammad Nayiruzzaman, was present as the chief guest.
Anisur Rahman Khan, Deputy Director of the District Narcotics Control Department; Mosfek Ul Hasan, Deputy Controller of Examinations at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University; Sekendar Ali, Chief Executive of the development organization 'SOS'; and Jewel Rana Jiban, Managing Director of Jiban BD Company and the main sponsor of the tournament, spoke as special guests at the event. Additionally, Marufa Akter, a star player of the Bangladesh National Women's Cricket Team, attended as an invited guest to inspire the youth.
Pankaj Roy, President of the organizing body Sangalshi Sports Federation, stated that the tournament was successfully completed with the special cooperation of the Nilphamari District Office of the Department of Narcotics Control. He said, "We took to the field with the slogan 'Sports builds strength, let’s play, not drugs.' Our efforts to bring the youth back from the darkness of drugs to the path of light will continue in the future."
