National Snooker C’ship kicks off in Dhaka 

 
The 39th National Snooker Championship got underway on Thursday at the Dhaka Boat Club, with 183 players from 32 clubs across Bangladesh competing for top honours.

The tournament, organised by the Bangladesh Billiards and Snooker Federation with the support of the Dhaka Boat Club, was formally opened following a press conference at the venue. Dhaka Boat Club president Rubel Aziz attended as chief guest, while Brigadier General (retd) Sarkar Md Shamsuddin, president of the Billiards and Snooker Federation, was the special guest. Md Zahirul Islam, chairman of the tournament committee, presided over the briefing.

Organisers have put up an attractive prize fund, with the champion set to receive 100,000 Taka, the runner-up 50,000 taka, and each semi-finalist 20,000 taka. Players achieving a break of 50 or more will earn an additional 20,000 Taka special award. Amber Group is the title sponsor, supported by Eminence Sourcing and Rashid Group as co-sponsors. RC Cola is the beverage partner and Mam the mineral water partner.

Speaking at the event, Rubel Aziz said regular staging of such competitions would help popularise cue sports in the country and provide a platform for talented players. However, he called for a reduction in import taxes on snooker tables saying the high duty was hindering the sport's development.