Dhaka, Mar 15 (UNB)- Bangladesh secured the gold medal in the floorball event at the Special Olympics, defeating Ukraine 4-2 in the final held in Italy's Turin on Saturday. Shorna, Fatema, Fabia, and Tamallin each scored a goal in the final to lead the Red and Green Bangladesh to victory. In the semifinals on Friday, Bangladesh advanced to the final by eliminating Trinidad and Tobago, while Ukraine reached the final by defeating India.      

Bangladesh Krira Shikka Protisthan (BKSP) earned a commanding 18-0 goals victory over Rangpur DSA in the 11-team BRAC Bank Women's Development Cup Hockey Tournament at the Maulana Bhashani National Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon. Orpita Paul and Kona Akhter both netted four goals each, completing hat-tricks, while Nadira Talukder Ima and Irin Akter Riya scored two goals apiece for the BKSP team. BKSP clinch top slot in Int'l Women’s Day Archery In other matches on the same day, Dinajpur, Jashore, and Kishoreganj DSAs all secured victories. Dinajpur defeated Patuakhali by 2-0 goals, Jashore outplayed Chattogram by 6-0 goals while Kishoreganj beat Thakurgaon by 5-1 goals. The tournament will have a rest day on Sunday, March 16. Kabaddi Series: Hosts Bangladesh wins five-match test series outplaying Nepal by 53-29 points in 4th match

Russian teen star Mirra Andreeva advanced to the BNP Paribas Open final, beating defending champion Iga Swiatek 7-6 (1), 1-6, 6-3 in chilly conditions Friday night to become the tournament's youngest finalist since 2001. The 17-year-old Andreeva, seeded ninth, will face top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka in the final. Sabalenka routed fifth-seeded Madison Keys 6-0, 6-1 in the second semifinal. Andreeva and Swiatek both finished the match wearing pullovers, with the temperature dipping into the 50s in the final set. It was in the mid-50s when Sabalenka finished off Keys. Andreeva ran her tour winning streak to 11 matches and ended Swiatek's 10-match run in the California desert The Russian won her first WTA Tour title last month in Dubai to become the youngest player to win a WTA 1000 event. Kim Clijsters also was 17 in 2001 when she lost to Serena Williams in the final. Swiatek, also the 2002 Indian Wells champion, was seeded second. Sabalenka ended Keys’ 16-match winning streak and got some revenge for her loss to the American in the Australian Open cfinal. Keys beat Sabalenka in three sets in January at Melbourne Park, denying Sabalenka a third consecutive title. On Saturday in the men’s semifinals, two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz — the No. 2 seed — will face 13th-seeded Jack Draper, and fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev will play No. 12 Holger Rune.  

Bangladesh has been elected vice president of South Asian Para Sports Federation. The election was held recently at Taj Palace Hotel in India’s New Delhi. Asian Women's Kabaddi: Bangladesh team due to fly for Iran tonight India was elected president, while Maldives secured the position of secretary general; Pakistan followed the position of Bangladesh, with Nepal and Bhutan becoming treasure and director-at large respectively. The newly elected committee will perform duty for next three years. Majid Rashid, president of Asian Paralympic Committee, conducted the election.

The metrics — and oddsmakers — indicated Gonzaga was far better than its record, and there was little doubt the Bulldogs had the ability to once again compete at a high level. Maybe it was simply a matter of timing. Braden Huff scored 18 points in just his second start of the season as Gonzaga avenged two regular-season losses to Saint Mary's, beating the 19th-ranked Gaels 58-51 in the West Coast Conference Tournament championship on Tuesday night. The Bulldogs (25-8) secured the WCC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, though both teams were safely in the field regardless of the outcome. “We've had an inordinate amount of one-possession games,” Gonzaga coach Mark Few said. “I think that's why we're such an interesting seed going into this NCAA Tournament. I think we were 350th in luck in Kenpom. We've had more banked 3s on us than I could ever, ever remember in my entire career. "Whether it's law of averages coming through or just a little resiliency ... or maybe it's just desperation by some seniors who don't want this thing to end.” The Bulldogs also got some measure of revenge for losing to the Gaels in last year's title game, which ended Gonzaga's run of four conference championships and 10 of 11. Gonzaga also extended its national record to 18 consecutive 25-win seasons. Saint Mary's (28-5) had its seven-game winning streak stopped. The Gaels also had won 17 of 18 games. “We've had a great year,” Saint Mary's coach Randy Bennett said. “We did not play well tonight.” Khalif Battle scored 14 points for the Zags, Graham Ike added 11 and Ryan Nembhard had 10. Mitchell Saxen led Saint Mary's with 20 points but scored only six after halftime. Two-time WCC Player of the Year Augustas Marciulionis finished with 12 points. Saint Mary’s was attempting to become the first team since San Diego in 1996-97 to beat Gonzaga three times in a season. But Gonzaga entered the game with the higher Kenpom rating, ninth to 22nd for the Gaels, and was a 3 1/2-point favorite at BetMGM Sportsbook. “You've got to go through some hardships in order to win,” Battle said. “We've been practicing for this moment. I think we were prepared more than ever going into this tournament, so I'm happy we were able to hoist the trophy.” TakeawaysGonzaga: The Bulldogs committed just four turnovers while forcing 18 that included two shot-clock violations in the closing minutes. Saint Mary's: The Gaels are the first ranked team since No. 25 Texas A&M in 2011 to go at least 0 for 16 from 3-point range and commit 18 or more turnovers. Key momentMarciulionis' layup with 15:09 left brought Saint Mary's within a point, but the Gaels went the next 7:36 without a field goal as Gonzaga built a 48-42 lead. Key statsThe teams combined to shoot 1 of 31 on 3-pointers, the third-worst combined percentage in any game over the past 20 years. Saint Mary's went 0 for 16. Up nextBoth teams will find out their NCAA Tournament seeds and destinations on Sunday.

Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF) got Taka 25 lakhs from Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan for the development and higher training of the Bangladesh Kabaddi team. Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Rezaul Maksud Zahedi disclosed this at a reception accorded by the Ministry to the Bangladesh Women's Kabaddi team at the NSC conference room here on Tuesday. Bangladesh Women's Kabaddi team clinched the bronze medal in the Asian Women's Kabaddi Championship held in Iran recently. Asian Women's Kabaddi: Bangladesh team due to fly for Iran tonight Addressing the reception as the chief guest, the Sports Secretary said, "We are proud of our women's kabaddi team, the Youth and Sports Adviser is very much happy with the achievement of Bangladesh women's Kabaddi team in the Asian Championship and gave a grant of Tk 25 lakhs for the development and higher training of Kabaddi team." "Kabaddi has a bright future, the Youth and Sports Ministry is always with you, the allocation of Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation will be increased in the next budget," he added. Secretary of the National Sports Council (NSC) Aminul Islam was present at the function as special guest. BKF general secretary SM Newaj Shohag was also present, among others, on the occasion.

Bangladesh Krira Shikka Protishtan (BKSP) clinched the top slot in the Cute International Women’s Day Archery Tournament 2025, securing one gold, two silver, and two bronze medals held at the Archery Training Centre in Tongi on Saturday. Bangladesh Air Force finished 2nd with one gold and one silver medal, while Spider Archery Club and Bangladesh Police Archery Club became 3rd with one gold medal each. Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan was the chief guest at the day’s closing function, and later he distributed the prizes. Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports M. Rezaul Maksud Zahedi was also present at the function as the special guest. Chairman of the meet’s sponsor, Mousumi Industries Limited (Cute), and general secretary of Bangladesh Archery Federation Kazi Razibuddin Ahmed Chapol, was also present. The competition was held in two categories, A and B. In Category A, Ety Khatun of Police Archer Club clinched the Recurve Division’s gold medal, Sonali Roy of BSKP won the event’s silver medal, and Arabi Akhter took the event’s bronze medal. Bangladesh national football team reach Saudi Arabia for intensive training In the Compound Division, Bonnya Akter of the Bangladesh Air Force earned the gold medal, Puspita Zaman of the Air Force won the silver, and Ummey Salima Akter Brishti of Bangladesh Ansar took the bronze. In category B, Jannatul Naima of BKSP earned the Recurve Division’s gold medal, Taiyuba Akhter won the event’s silver, and Anamika won the event’s bronze medal. In the Compound Division, Ishrat Jahan Tulna of Spider Archery Club won the gold medal, Mossamat Habiba of Chuadanga Archery Club bagged the silver medal, and Razia Akhter Mim of Faridpur DSA took the bronze. A total of 68 archers from different districts, organisations, and clubs took part in the meet.

A nine-member first batch of the 14-member Bangladesh Women's Kabaddi team will leave for Iran tonight (Sunday) at 9 pm to participate in the 6th Asian Women's Kabaddi Championship. The six-day tournament will begin on Tuesday (March 4) in the Iranian town of Pardis, 17 kilometers away from the capital Tehran. The second and final batch of five members of the Bangladesh team will leave for Iran on Monday at 9:55 am. Kabaddi Series: Hosts Bangladesh wins five-match test series outplaying Nepal by 53-29 points in 4th match The Bangladesh team consists of 12 players and two officials. Sumibol Chandra Das will accompany the team as manager and coach, Shahnaj Parvin Maleka as coach, and Sraboni Mollick as the captain. The players of the Bangladesh Women's Kabaddi team are: Sraboni Mollick, Bristi Biwas, Rupali Senior, Smriti Akter, Rekha Akthari, Mabi Chakma, Rupali Akter Junior, Lucky Akter, Anjuara Ratri, Tahrim, Sucharita Chakma, and Khadiza Khatun. Asian Cup Archery: Bangladeshi archers taking part in qualification round on Tuesday Bangladesh coach Shahnaj Parvin Maleka said "This time we are aiming for a bronze medal, as India and the hosts, Iran, are stronger than us." The Bangladesh team clinched a bronze medal in the inaugural meet in 2005.      

Hosts Bangladesh won the five-match test series 3-1 with one match to spare beating touring Nepal by 49-24 point in the 4th match at Paltan Maidan here on Wednesday. Bangladesh took a 1-0 lead outplaying touring Nepal by 53-29 point with five creditable lonas in the first match, but tasted their first-ever victory over Bangladesh beating the hosts by 45-42 point in the 2nd match to level the series 1-1. Bangladesh again took lead (2-1) in the 3rd match defeating Nepal by 42-37 points. Bangladesh assured the test series (3-1) beating Nepal comfortably in the day’s 4th match by 53-29 points after leading the first half by 31-18 points. Should seasoned cricketers Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur retire? Bangladesh captain Mizanur Rahman was adjudged the best player of the match to receive the award from two former national players Amir Hossain Patwari and Sumibol Chandra Das. After the day’s match, the 5th and last match between two teams billed for Friday, will not carry any importance.

World champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States trailed Canada’s Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier by one point in the ice dance event at the Four Continents figure skating competition on Thursday, reports AP. Performing to a medley featuring “Rock Around the Clock” and “Stayin’ Alive,” Chock and Bates delivered an energetic rhythm dance routine that earned them 86.21 points. However, defending champions Gilles and Poirier, who were the final skaters to take the ice, secured 87.22 points for their lively performance set to a surf music medley. Ex-Spain football official Rubiales fined €10,000+ for unsolicited kiss Fellow Canadians Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha placed third with 82.86 points. Chock and Bates, who missed last year’s Four Continents, were aiming for their fourth title at the event, having previously won in 2019, 2020, and 2023. Their only setback on Thursday was a lower level on their midline step. “Maddie and I are pleased with today’s performance,” Bates said. “We always hope for a season’s best, and while we fell just short today, I think we skated well and felt really free out there.” The American duo are using this competition as preparation for the world championships, set to take place in Boston from 25-30 March. “This is a very important competition, not only because so many top skaters compete, but also because it’s our last event before worlds,” Chock said. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase the training we’ve put in.” The ice dance event will conclude with the free dance on Saturday. In the men’s short program, Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov led the standings with 94.73 points, securing a solid advantage over Jimmy Ma of the United States, who placed second with 82.52. Shaidorov’s performance featured a stunning quad lutz-triple toeloop combination, followed by a quad toeloop that helped him build his score. Japan’s Kazuki Tomono took third with 79.84, while South Korea’s Junhwan Cha, who only managed a double salchow in his opening element, finished fourth. In the pairs short program, reigning world and Four Continents champions Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara of Japan topped the standings with 74.73 points. Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea of the United States secured second place with 70.32, while Canada’s Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud followed closely in third with 69.79. Towhid's maiden ODI tonne guides Bangladesh to 228 vs India World champions Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps of Canada finished fourth. Skating to “Paint It Black,” Miura and Kihara’s routine featured a level three triple twist, a throw triple lutz, and a level four step sequence.