The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sports Reporter

Diganta Prashari Sangha and Abahani KC moved to the final of the Rajshahi First Division Handball League on Friday.

In the day's first semi-final, Diganta Prashari Sangha outplayed Cosmos Sporting Club by 44-25 goals at the Rajshahi Stadium.

The winners led the first half by 25-17 points.

In the day's second semi-finals, Abahani KC defeated Lotus Club by 28-15 points at the same venue.

The victorious team led the first session by 17-10 points.

Today Diganta Prashari Sangha will face Abahani KC in the final at the same venue.

Bush to attend Beijing Olympics opening gala

AFP, Washington

US President George W. Bush will attend the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics, defying boycott calls from critics of China's record on human rights and in Tibet, the White House said Thursday.

Some world leaders are skipping the August 8 gala, and the two principle US presidential rivals had strongly urged Bush to at least consider not going in order to highlight concerns about religious and political freedoms in China.

But "the president and Mrs Bush will attend the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympic Games on August 8" as part of a trip to China after stops in South Korea and Thailand, Bush spokeswoman Dana Perino said in a statement.