Thakurgaon emerge champions in Rajshahi–Dinajpur zone of women’s hockey

The Thakurgaon district women's hockey team has emerged as the Rajshahi–Dinajpur regional champion of the BRAC Bank Aparajeyo Alo Women's Hockey Tournament 2025.

In the final match on Sunday, Thakurgaon secured a 3–0 win over runner-up Rajshahi.

BRAC Bank and the Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) jointly launched the tournament on 2 November as part of the bank's corporate social responsibility initiative, which aims to identify talented women players at the district level and support the overall development of women's hockey in the country.

Organisers said women's hockey teams from Joypurhat, Dinajpur, Rajshahi, Thakurgaon and Rangpur participated in the Rajshahi–Dinajpur regional matches. Each team played four games, and the top performers advanced to the regional final.

Thakurgaon, which topped the regional table with four consecutive wins, began the final with a pressing approach. Rajshahi managed to hold them off in the first quarter, but Ritu Rani Sen broke the deadlock in the second, scoring twice. Roti added the third goal, securing the victory. Rajshahi were unable to convert their chances despite significant effort.

After the match, Rajshahi Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Toktok Talukder presented the prizes to the champion and runner-up teams. Lipa Monalisa of Thakurgaon was named Player of the Match, while her teammate Rani Akhter Riamoni received the Best Player of the Tournament award.

Rekha Moni of Thakurgaon received the Rising Star Award for scoring eight goals, the highest in the region. Mahua of Rajshahi was recognised as the Best Goalkeeper.

BHF General Secretary Lt Col (retd) Riazul Hasan said the tournament will be held in two phases. The first phase involves competition among 18 district-based teams from four regions — Rajshahi–Dinajpur, Mymensingh, Jessore and Cumilla. The champion from each region, along with BKSP, will qualify for the second phase.

The official tournament schedule was announced earlier at a press conference organised by BHF on 30 October at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium.

Ekram Kabir, chief communication officer of BRAC Bank, said, "We are delighted to once again associate with the BHF in the development of women's hockey in the country. BRAC Bank believes in the limitless potential of women. Through this tournament, their unbeatable strength and confidence will light the way for the progress of the country's sports."

BRAC Bank has demonstrated long-term commitment to supporting women's hockey by consistently organising domestic competitions. Earlier this year, the bank supported a women's hockey tournament in Dhaka featuring eleven teams, where BKSP emerged as the champion.