The trophy of the Independence Gold Cup Football Tournament 2026 was unveiled in a festive atmosphere in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The tournament will officially begin on March 26, with the opening match scheduled between Chittagong FC and BFC City, determined through a lottery. The tournament is being organized by the UAE Spare Parts Association at the Sharjah Ground Sports Field to commemorate the Great Independence Day of Bangladesh.
The trophy unveiling ceremony was held on Sunday night (March 15) at Hudaibiya Restaurant in Sharjah through a grand event. The program was presided over by Abdul Mannan and hosted by Zahid Hasan. The chief guest at the event was Shahadat Hossain, President of the Sharjah UAE Spare Parts Association.
Among the special guests present were Shahidul Islam, Rakib Hossain, Saiful Islam, Akhtar Hossain, Nurul Absar, Rafiqul Islam, Mohsin, Kamal, M.A. Salam, and Saiful Islam Talukdar, along with other leaders of the association. Players from the participating 12 teams and members of the organization also attended the ceremony.
One of the most exciting and widely discussed aspects of this tournament is its prize. The organizing committee announced that one of the main attractions for spectators will be a luxury Mercedes-Benz car. Such a prestigious prize in a football tournament organized by expatriates has created great excitement and enthusiasm among players and the Bangladeshi community in the UAE.
According to the organizers, the aim of this event is to strengthen the sense of brotherhood and unity among expatriate Bangladeshis despite their busy mechanical lives abroad, while also highlighting the significance of Independence Day for the younger generation. They also urged all expatriate Bangladeshis to strictly follow the laws and regulations of the UAE, especially considering the current situation in the Middle East.
The organizers expressed hope that sports can play an important role in enhancing the positive image of Bangladesh abroad. The organizing committee is working tirelessly to make the tournament successful and to create a joyful environment for expatriates. They have also sought the sincere cooperation of the local Bangladeshi community and all concerned to ensure the successful completion of the tournament.
