TİKA Sponsors 2nd Rohingya Football Tournament in Bangladesh

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) sponsored the 2^nd Rohingya Football League, organized in the refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

As the Rohingya people mark their seventh year of displacement after seeking refuge in Bangladesh from Myanmar’s Rakhine region in 2017, TİKA continues its efforts to support and normalize life in the camps.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural tournament, which attracted significant interest, this year’s event was structured as a qualifying competition. Sponsored by TİKA, the tournament kicked off on March 13 with an opening match featuring 16 teams, drawing an audience of approximately 20,000 spectators.

The final match took place in the presence of officials and Rohingya refugees residing in the camps.

Tournament expected to raise public awareness

Speaking at the final match, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mizanur Rahman highlighted the importance of preserving and revitalizing the image, traditions, and heritage of the Rohingya community. He stated that the tournament aimed to foster solidarity, support the Rohingya people’s eventual return to their homeland, and raise public awareness. Rahman also encouraged participants to avoid conflicts and crime, expressing his hope that the event would have a positive impact on the community.

He concluded his speech by thanking TİKA for providing sports equipment and supporting the organization of the event.

In the final match, the Naymoy (2) Football Team defeated the Inndin Football Team 1-0, claiming the championship title. Trophies and medals were awarded to the winning team, while the Golden Ball, Golden Gloves, and Golden Boot were presented to their respective recipients.