The fifth 'Embassy Football Fest 2024' kicks off in Dhaka with the participation of 20 teams, featuring diplomats from various countries and organizations.
The tournament was officially inaugurated on Friday (Dec 13) morning at the International School Dhaka (ISD) ground in Bashundhara residential area.
The event will be held over two days.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh and GamePlay have jointly organized this tournament.
At the inauguration, the following dignitaries were present: Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Additional Foreign Secretary; Megan Boldin, Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka; Ajit Singh, High Commissioner of Canada; Syed Ahmed Maroof, High Commissioner of Pakistan; Abdulaziz Fahad M Alibrahim, Deputy Head of Mission of Saudi Arabia; Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen, Ambassador of Norway; Haznah Md. Hashim, High Commissioner of Malaysia; and senior officials from the embassies of Russia, the Netherlands, and Italy.
Teams participating in the fifth edition of the Fest include hosts Bangladesh, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, Russia, the United Nations, the three Nordic countries (Denmark, Norway, and Sweden), Indonesia, Malaysia, the European Union, the World Health Organization, the World Bank, Palestine, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the Italian Embassy.
It was confirmed on Wednesday night that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. As a result, the Saudi Embassy team was more prominent than the others at the 'Embassy Football Fest'. They arrived at the tournament with a replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy.
Expressing excitement at the inaugural ceremony, Abdulaziz Fahad M Alibrahim, Deputy Head of Mission of Saudi Arabia, said, "The 2034 FIFA World Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia will be the biggest football tournament in history. By hosting this tournament, we will show the world how generous and hospitable a nation we are."
Maksum-ul-Hossain, CEO of GamePlay, said that the primary objective of the 'Embassy Football Fest' is to promote peace, harmony, and fraternity.
"With the participation of numerous countries in Dhaka, the 'Embassy Football Fest' will serve as a testament to Bangladesh’s strong ties and goodwill with the global community. Through this event, we aim to convey the message that Bangladesh is more united than ever and firmly believes in fostering peaceful coexistence with nations around the world," said Faisal Titumir, Chairman of GamePlay,
The organizers have announced that the closing and award distribution ceremony of the tournament will take place on Saturday (Dec 14), in the afternoon.
Tabith Awal, President of the BFF, will be the chief guest.
The final match is scheduled for 4:00 pm, followed by the presentation of the trophy to the winning team by the BFF President.
Since 2018, GamePlay has been organizing the Embassy Fest, which includes four football tournaments, and one cricket tournament.
In the 2023 football tournament, the British High Commission in Dhaka won the championship, with the U.S. Embassy finishing as the runner-up.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
