SPORTS IN BANGLADESH

Sport in Bangladesh is a popular form of entertainment as well as an essential part of Bangladeshi culture. Kabaddi is the national sport of Bangladesh. However, cricket and football are considered as the most popular sports in Bangladesh. Bangladesh achieved arguably their greatest heights in ODI cricket when they defeated three of the top-rated teams in 2015. In April 2015, they white-washed Pakistan and clinched the series 3-0. It was another major achievement when they won a series against India 2-1 in June 2015. They stunned South Africa, defeating them 2-1 in an ODI series in the month of July and cemented their spot in Champions Trophy, 2017. Traditional sports like Athletics, Swimming, Kabaddi, Boli Khela, Lathi Khela are mostly played in the rural areas while foreign sports like cricket, football, hockey, volleyball, handball, golf, badminton etc. are more popular among the urban folks. The National Sports Council (NSC) is the governing body to control all the sports federations and councils in the country and is responsible to the ministry of youth and sports. There are a total of 42 different sports federations affiliated with the NSC.[1] Bangladesh Games is the largest domestic multi-sport tournament in the country where athletes and sports teams from all the districts participate.

MAJOR SPORT

CRICKET

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Cricket is arguably the most popular sport in the country. The popularity began to rise significantly when the national team went on to win the ICC Trophy in 1997 and for the first time qualified for the Cricket World Cup in 1999. In 2000, Bangladesh became a full member of International Cricket Council which allowed it to play Test cricket. Bangladesh regularly hosts many international One Day matches, Test matches and Twenty20 Internationals. In 2011, Bangladesh hosted the 2011 Cricket World Cup along with India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh was also elected to host the 2014 ICC World Twenty20. Bangladesh Cricket Board is the premier governing body to manage the development of the sport in the country.

Cricket is arguably the most popular sport in the country. The popularity began to rise significantly when the national team went on to win the ICC Trophy in 1997 and for the first time qualified for the Cricket World Cup in 1999. In 2000, Bangladesh became a full member of International Cricket Council which allowed it to play Test cricket. Bangladesh regularly hosts many international One Day matches, Test matches and Twenty20 Internationals. In 2011, Bangladesh hosted the 2011 Cricket World Cup along with India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh was also elected to host the 2014 ICC World Twenty20. Bangladesh Cricket Board is the premier governing body to manage the development of the sport in the country.

FOOTBALL

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Football is the most second-most popular sport in Bangladesh after cricket and is governed by the Bangladesh Football Federation. An interest in cricket resulting from the nation's success in Test Cricket  and participation in the Cricket World Cup overshadowed the past fame in the nation's football legacy. However, this did not affect football's popularity. More and more football tournaments are being organized in and outside Dhaka than of any other sports and football fever grips the nation during every FIFA World Cup.

Football is the most second-most popular sport in Bangladesh after cricket and is governed by the Bangladesh Football Federation. An interest in cricket resulting from the nation’s success in Test Cricket  and participation in the Cricket World Cup overshadowed the past fame in the nation’s football legacy. However, this did not affect football’s popularity. More and more football tournaments are being organized in and outside Dhaka than of any other sports and football fever grips the nation during every FIFA World Cup

KABADDI

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Kabaddi is recognized as the national sport in Bangladesh. The sport is played all through the country. Bangladesh has been regularly participating in Asian Games for Kabaddi. However, the recent rise of other sports has led to the decline in its popularity. Bangladesh was once considered as a formidable side to play against in this sport but has now been weakening due to lack of funds and other reasons.

Kabaddi is recognized as the national sport in Bangladesh. The sport is played all through the country. Bangladesh has been regularly participating in Asian Games for Kabaddi. However, the recent rise of other sports has led to the decline in its popularity. Bangladesh was once considered as a formidable side to play against in this sport but has now been weakening due to lack of funds and other reasons.