Cricket is more or less a religion in Bangladesh, and the reason for this is not far-fetched. Over the years, the country has achieved remarkable international cricket success, capturing the hearts of millions of enthusiasts. Today, none other comes to the sport in terms of popularity, viewership, and active participation.
However, while cricket dominates almost every conversation on sports in the country, it is essential to recognize that Bangladesh’s sporting landscape is much broader and diverse. From traditional games deeply rooted in cultural heritage to other mainstream sports, Bangladesh offers a rich tapestry of athletic pursuits.
Therefore, this article will explore the various thriving sports in Bangladesh. Starting from cricket, it will showcase the country’s diverse sporting heritage and passion for athletic excellence.
Cricket
As mentioned above, Bangladesh has recorded some outstanding achievements in international cricket over the years. The first major one of these is winning the 1997 ICC Trophy. This success resulted in the qualification of Bangladesh for the 1999 Cricket World Cup and the country gaining full membership in the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2000.
To date, Bangladesh has recorded some other accomplishments in both continental and international cricket tournaments. It has also achieved memorable wins over prominent cricketing nations like India, Pakistan, England, and South Africa. It is, therefore, unsurprising that the sport enjoys such massive popularity.
Additionally, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is presently among the top T20 cricket leagues globally. The league showcases high-quality cricket and attracts a large fan base with its exciting matches and competitive franchises.
Established in 1972, the Bangladesh Cricket Board is responsible for promoting cricket in Bangladesh by overseeing national team selection, domestic cricket structure, infrastructure development, and grassroots programs. However, there’s yet plenty of room for the sport to reach its full potential in Bangladesh, as issues of Lack of funding and resources and corruption need to be tackled efficiently.
Football
Football is the second most popular sport in Bangladesh after cricket. Between the late 1980s and 1990s, commonly referred to as the golden era of football, the sport was the most popular in the country. This period saw the rise of the Dhaka League, a powerful football franchise that featured top-quality teams like Mohammedan Sporting Club and Abahani Limited Dhaka. These teams delivered high-quality football performances, with tons of die-hard fans watching their matches in overpacked stadiums.
Bangladesh has also achieved some successes in international football, notable among which is winning the SAFF Cup Championship in 2003. The country has also won gold twice in the South Asian Games, alongside some remarkable feats in other tournaments.
Bangladesh still retains its deep-rooted passion for football, which still enjoys a massive following and participation nationwide. However, the once-blazing passion for domestic football is now directed towards foreign leagues and tournaments like the Champions League, EPL, World Cup, etc. The country is also known for its massive football betting market, with fans placing wagers on their favorite teams on Pari Match and other sportsbooks.
Kabaddi
Named Bangladesh’s national sport in 1972, kabaddi is one of the most popular sports in the country. Also known as Ha-du-du, it is a traditional South Asian sport that originated in pre-historic India. Therefore, it has a rich history in Bangladesh and is deeply rooted in its culture.
While kabaddi is predominant in rural Bangladesh, where it is played for entertainment and ceremonial purposes, the country participates in the sport’s major tournaments. These include the Asian Games, South Asian Games, and Kabaddi World Cup. While Bangladesh has yet to clinch any gold from these tournaments, it has won the silver medal multiple times.
Formed in 1973, the Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF) is the governing body for kabaddi in the country. The federation is responsible for the administration, development, and promotion of the sport at the national level. It plays a vital role in organizing national championships, regional tournaments, and selection trials to identify talented players.
Field Hockey
Field hockey was introduced to the Bengal area by the British colonial rulers. This was before the country gained independence from Pakistan in 1971. In its early days, the sport was only played among the elite. However, it has grown popular over the years, especially in the 1980s and 1990s.
Established in 1972 and headquartered in Dhaka, the Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) is the governing body of hockey in the country. The body became full members of the International Hockey Federation (IHF) and Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) in 1975. The BHF oversees the sport’s development, organizes domestic competitions, and manages the national team’s participation in international tournaments.
Today, several hockey leagues are held nationwide under the administration of the BHF to promote the sport. These include:
- DMCB Hockey Champions Trophy Bangladesh
- National Hockey League
- National Hockey Championship
- National Youth Hockey League
- National Youth Hockey Championship
- Dhaka Premier Division Hockey League
- First Division Hockey League
- Second Division Hockey League
- Independence Day Hockey Tournament
- Victory Day Hockey Tournament
Combat Sports
Bangladesh has a rich heritage of traditional combat sports, with martial art disciplines such as Lathi Khela, Boli Khela, and Boli Khela being deeply rooted in the country’s cultural fabric. These traditional forms focus on self-defense techniques and are often showcased during festivals and cultural events.
While these traditional arts have waned in popularity, Bangladesh’s interest in modern combat sports has soared in recent years. These include boxing, karate, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). This is evident in the increasing number of local clubs, gyms, and training centers nationwide.
Additionally, the country has recorded some international successes in the combat sports scene, with seven gold medals in karate from the South Asian games, among others.
Chess
Chess in Bangladesh has experienced significant growth and development over the years; since its establishment in 1974, the Bangladesh Chess Federation (BCF), the governing body for chess in the country, has played a crucial role in promoting the game at various levels, from grassroots to international competitions.
Today, there are several chess tournaments in Bangladesh under the administration of the BCF, including the Bangladeshi Chess Championship and the Dhaka International Chess Tournament.
Bangladesh has produced several talented chess players who have achieved international recognition. Grandmaster Niaz Murshed, who became the country’s first grandmaster in 1987, laid the foundation for chess development in Bangladesh. Since then, more players have earned prestigious titles, including Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman and International Master Abdullah Al Rakib.
Conclusion
While cricket remains the number one sport in Bangladesh, exploring the country’s sporting diversity reveals a vast range of other athletic pursuits. From traditional games rooted in cultural heritage to mainstream sports and emerging ones gaining popularity, Bangladesh’s passion for sports extends far beyond cricket, reflecting its rich heritage and evolving sports landscape.
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