The inaugural edition of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Gold Cup Football Tournament here in the district will begin today.
Khulna Divisional Commissioner (In-Charge) Md. Firoz Shah will inaugurate the tournament as chief guest at 2:30pm at the Jashore Shams-ul-Huda Stadium.
In the opening match, Sadar Upazila Team will face off against Sharsha Upazila Team. These details were revealed at a press conference held by the district administration at the Jashore collectorate conference room this morning.
At the press conference, Deputy Commissioner Md. Azaharul Islam said the tournament is being organized as part of the 'Youth Festival 2025' initiative, under the slogan: 'Let's Change the Country, Let's Change the World'.
He expressed hope that the event will help develop the local sports culture and further increase the youth's interest in football.
In a written statement at the press conference, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Sujan Sarkar said a total of eight upazila teams will participate in the tournament, divided into two groups.
All matches will kick off at 2:30pm. A total of four group-stage matches are scheduled for November 9, 11, 13, and 15. The winning teams will proceed to the semi-finals.
The two semi-final matches will take place on November 16 and 18, with the final match scheduled for November 20.
Mahtab Nasir Palash, member secretary of the tournament committee, announced that the champion team will receive the Gold Cup trophy along with prize money of Tk 2 lakh. The runners-up team will be awarded Tk 1.5 lakh.
In addition, the Man of the Match awardee will receive Tk 5,000 after each game and the Man of the Tournament will be awarded Tk 20,000.
Additional DC Sujan Sarkar also mentioned that extensive publicity, including public announcements (micing), is being carried out to increase spectator attendance. He added there will be a prize system based on match tickets to attract viewers. "BSS
