The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The final round of the Exim Bank 19th National Women's Handball Championship begins Monday at the Shaheed Suhrawardy National Indoor Stadium in Mirpur without defending champions BJMC.

Holders BJMC, which played an important role in promoting the country's sports, reportedly failed to participate in the game this time for financial crisis.

Director General of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP Major General Abdul Hafiz will inaugurate the meet at 3: pm with Rangamati-Narail match. Director of meet sponsor Exim Bank Nurul Fazal Bulbul and Adviser of ATN Bangla Nowajesh Ali Khan will be present as special guests.

A total of 11 teams, split into four groups, will initially play in league matches. Later, four group champions will play in the semifinals on July 1 and the final match will be held in July 2.

The participating teams are: Group A - Bangladesh Ansars, Tangail and Chittagong DSAs Group B- Dhaka, Joypurhat and Jessore DSAs, Group C-Rangamati and Narail DSAs Group D- Khagrachari, Fairdpur and Rajshahi DSAs.

In all, seven matches-three in the morning and four in the afternoon-will be held on the opening day (Monday).

ATN Bangla will telecast live the opening and final match of the tournament.