Ranigonj lift Union Cup at Castle Green

Emdad Rahman

DURING A DAY of great fanfare and celebrations Ranigonj FC were crowned Jagannathpur Union Cup champions for 2022. The victory makes Ranigonj the inaugural champions of this popular inter-community tournament.

The event, held at Castle Green in Dagenham, saw a huge number of fans turn up to support British footballers who have ancestral links to the  Upazila in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Seven unions took part in the tournament including Pailgow, Ranigonj, Asharkhandi, Mirpur, Syedpur Sharpara, Puroshova, Patli.

The seven teams took part in three groups, with four proceeding to the semi-finals.
Ranigonj, who included Abu Supian, Shamim Khan and Shuhel Ahmed, defeated Mirpur to set up a final showdown with Pailgow, who had seen off Asharkhandi. A tight final saw Iqbal Hussain’s Ranigonj edge a win over Pailgaow 5-4 on penalties.

Sonali Othith Chairman Jamal Uddin, Founder Member of Jagonnathpur FC, commented, “It’s been great to welcome so many friends and family to Dagenham today. The football has been spectacular and the crowds passionate.”

Speaking after his team became champions for the second time, Akik Miah from Ranigonj commented, “This is the sixth time we have delivered this Union Cup and it continues to get better. Ranigonj were phenomenal but we are all winners- Football has bought us all together to inspire a generation and help create unforgettable memories.”

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