Gold Cup lights path for next wave

It was a vibrant and festive occasion at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Thursday, as the final of the National Gold Cup Football Tournament celebrated spirited football and youthful exuberance.

Amid the glint of trophies and medals, what stood out most was the promise of the future, with both girls and boys displaying glimpses of potential stardom.

In the girls' section, Rajshahi Division — comprising players from across the region, including Chapainawabganj, Natore, and Sirajganj — were a picture of unbridled joy following a commanding 3–0 victory over Mymensingh Division, a team once dominant in grassroots football.

Mahabubur Rahman Litu, assistant coach of the national women's team, was in attendance and offered words of encouragement to the young players, identifying several from both sides as promising prospects for future national age-group camps.

The boys' final between Rangpur and Mymensingh delivered drama of a different sort. Trailing 2–0, Rangpur staged a spirited comeback to level the score in regulation time, forcing a penalty shootout.

In a tense conclusion, Rangpur held their nerve to edge out Mymensingh 4–3 in the shootout and claim the trophy.