Tri-Nation Inter-University Football Tournament Concludes in Dhaka with the Goal of Fostering Peace and Non-Violence in South Asia

 by AKM Shamsuddoha Patwary (Dhaka Bureau)

The Tri-Nation Inter-University Football Tournament held in Dhaka has ended, successfully promoting a spirit of harmony, peace, and non-violence in South Asia. While Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal participated in the inaugural edition, the organizers are hopeful that participation from other South Asian countries will steadily increase from the second tournament onwards. They believe that the Tri-Nation Inter-University Football Tournament has created a significant moment in the history of South Asian youth empowerment and the diplomacy of peace and non-violence.

The Tri-Nation Inter-University Football Tournament, featuring participants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal, took place from November 13 to 15 at the Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU). Participating teams included the host, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Pakistan’s Punjab University, and the All Nepal Football Association. The Community for Human Development (Bangladesh and Pakistan), Alokito Manush, and the All Nepal Football Association were co-organizers of the tournament.

The Pakistan and Nepal team. A scene of flags being exchanged symbolized harmony between the players of Pakistan and Nepal before the start of their match in the tournament.

The tournament was formally inaugurated on November 13 at the SAU stadium by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Latif. Special guests at the opening ceremony included SAU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Belal Hossain, Treasurer Professor Muhammad Abul Bashar, Vice-Chancellor of Kurigram Agricultural University Professor Dr. Rashedul Islam, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Z H Sikder University of Science and Technology Professor Dr. Jashim Uddin, Australian representative of the Humanist Movement and Professor at the University of New South Wales Dr. Decler Huego, Professor Dr. Irshad Ahmad Mughal of Punjab University, Associate Professor and Director (Sports) of Pakistan’s Punjab University Dr. Shabbir Sarwar, Football Team Manager Sajjad Akbar, Research Associate Jawaria Shafak, and All Nepal Football Association representatives Dr. Sarina Palikha and Dr. Sabrin Siristha.

In the final match, held on November 15, Pakistan’s Punjab University defeated Bangladesh Agricultural University 1-0 to secure the championship trophy of the first edition. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Dhaka Imran Haider, Counselor Mr. Kamran, First Secretary Mr. Ziaul Haque, and Business and Investment Delegate Zain Aziz were present to witness the final match. Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Latif presented the trophies to the winning and runner-up teams. Officials from Pakistan’s Punjab University, the All Nepal Football Association, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, and the organizing committee representatives from Community for Human Development and Alokito Manush were also in attendance.

Pakistan High Commissioner to Dhaka, Imran Haider and Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Latif, are handing over the trophy to the tournament’s runner-up team, Bangladesh Agricultural University, after the final match.

Professor Dr. Irshad Ahmad Mughal of Punjab University, one of the key initiators of this tournament, told Pressenza after the successful conclusion of the peace and non-violence tournament: ‘This final match was not merely the end of a tournament. It was the beginning of a new chapter in establishing peace in South Asia. On the football ground of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, a new South Asian generation witnessed the possibility of a future shaped not by conflict or division, but by empathy, respect, and shared dreams.”

He further added: ‘As the sun set over the campus and the teams left the field- Pakistan with victory, Bangladesh with pride, and Nepal with dignity- the message was unequivocally clear; where politics often stumbles, football has succeeded. It has built bridges, reduced distances, and reminded everyone that the youth of South Asia have the power to change the region’s narrative- not with violence or mistrust, but with sports, friendship, and humanity. We will very soon try to organize another such event in Punjab, Pakistan, and gradually aim to spread it across the whole of South Asia.’

About the Author:

 

‘AKM Shamsuddoha Patwary is a Pressenza Contributor, Dhaka Bureau, and Executive Member of the International Committee of the Community for Human Development’.