Emdad Rahman
A packed Micro Business Centre in Brick Lane enjoyed a dinner function as Jagannathpur FC launched their new kit ahead of the Sonali Othith Greater Sylhet Upazila Cup 2016. The event also saw the management committee and volunteers being introduced.
Akik Miah, Club Secretary and 2016 sponsor, co-ordinated the event. He said, “This year we have had a lot more time to organise as a committee. Everybody has a role so that the players can concentrate on playing.” Akik Miah was representing 2016 sponsor Time And Tune, which provides bespoke audio visual solutions for commercial and residential clients – which is following on from Avenue Construction, last year’s sponsor. For more information about Time and Tune, go to: www.timeandtune.com
Jagannathpur Chair Mohammed T Hussain Bokul said, “I took a footballing back seat for 8-9 years, but this year I have been asked by my elders to become involved. We request everyone’s prayers and well wishes. We don’t know who will win on the pitch this Sunday but we are proud of our locality and we are dedicated to making a huge and positive difference.”
Vice President Aroz Ali, lifelong Chair of Mohammedan Football Club, said, “We are hopeful of success and I congratulate everyone on their hard work and enterprise.”
Jagannathpur unveiled their kit – a very smart black and white strip resembling the Newcastle United strip sported by the late great Sir Bobby Robson’s Newcastle United team.
Abdul Mukit Chuni MBE said, “We have approximately 50,000 Jagannathpuris in the UK. I believe sport is so important. Communication and providing opportunities for young people should be our target. I believe this committee can work with the people of Bangladesh and involve young people from here to go to Bangladesh, exchange views and help create a better world.”
Jagannathpur Manager Jamal Uddin said, “I would much rather talk on the pitch. I would like to invite everyone to come and support us on Sunday. I thank everyone for their excellent support.” Uddin confirmed that he would announce the Greater Sylhet squad on Thursday and urged everyone to get behind the team, whether they make the squad or not.
Sonali Othith Chair Dawlath Khan Babul said, “Jagannathpur are standard bearers with their approach and preparation and they leave everyone else with high standards to match. They are one of the favourites but time will tell anyway. It will be a family event and I hope everyone will turn up to attend on Sunday.”
Sana Miah presented Jagannathpur’s vision. Through football the team hope to create opportunities for young people, advocate community cohesion, build bridges and to also use the platform as British Bangladeshis to support sport in Bangladesh. It is hoped to provide support to provide recreational grounds which are available for sports all year round.
Zakir Khan of Canary Wharf Group said, “No pressure but after this great event we are expecting something special on Sunday. I’m proud to be from Jagannathpur and congratulate everyone on a job well done.”
Sha Shahidur Rahman of Jagannathpur Upazila Welfare Trust added, “I’m excited at how our young generation will be engaged through our football initiatives.” Rahman urged support for blind citizens and also a fresh water project in Bangladesh.
Mamun Rashid MBE said, “I thank the committee for securing sponsorship and also the sponsors for their wonderful support. I went to a game last week and I was so impressed with the unity and happiness. Congratulations to the likes of Jamal Uddin and Dawlath Khan Babul for a fantastic initiative. It’s not about Jagannathpur, it’s about Bangladesh and the UK. Sport is a tremendous catalyst to bring the community together. All the best for Sunday.”
Tahir Kamaly of Jagannathpur Upazila Unoyan Shongsta UK said, “We have one of the oldest welfare organisations operating in the UK.”
Jagannathpur Advisor Councillor Suluk Ahmed concluded, “I thank Bokul and the team for this kit launch. It’s a wonderful idea and a creative one. It’s wonderful to be here today and I’m proud to be here. I hope everyone enjoys themselves on Sunday.”
Shajad Miah of the Jagannathpur British Bangla Education Truat said, “We have played football since the 70s. I hope that we can use these events and the hype created towards pushing our youngsters to achieving sporting excellence in the mainstream. This will take time but if we work together we can achieve this.”
•The Sonali Othith Greater Sylhet Upazila Cup takes place on Sunday, 28th August from 10am at Mabley Green, Lee Conservancy Road, Hackney, London E9 5RN.
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