By Nazir Ali & Emdad Rahman MBE

On Sunday 3rd August, the inaugural Open Age Greater Sylhet Upazila Cup came to a thrilling conclusion in truly spectacular fashion; a weekend of football that didn’t just crown a champion, but carved a moment into the heart of community sport.

It was Jagannathpur FC who etched their name into history, lifting the trophy with a flawless record; not conceding a single goal from open play throughout the entire tournament. A campaign defined by grit, elegance, and tactical brilliance culminated at the iconic Mile End Stadium, following an electrifying opener at the Bobby Moore Pavilion, Dagenham.

In a gripping final, Jagannathpur delivered a masterclass in composure and quality, defeating a spirited Gulapganj side 2-0. The breakthrough came from Zain Haque, who coolly dispatched a clinical finish in the first half of extra time. Moments before the final whistle, Abdul-Kaium Ali added the gloss, sparking jubilant celebrations from fans and players alike.

Behind the scenes, Head Coach Kamal Khan orchestrated a tactical symphony.

“I’m incredibly proud of these boys,” said Khan. “This wasn’t just about football. This was about honouring our heritage, representing our people with pride and unity, and showing what we can achieve when we believe.”

But this tournament was about more than just one team’s glory. It was a celebration of culture, competition, and community spirit.

Over the course of two days, thousands of football lovers descended on the venues; from toddlers to elders, creating an atmosphere that pulsed with energy, colour, and belonging. Hosted and delivered by the ever-passionate Sonali Othith UK, the tournament became a cultural showcase and sporting spectacle, filled with stunning goals, emotional moments, and unforgettable storylines.

Jagannathpur’s route to the final was anything but easy, their semi-final win over a heavily fancied Sylhet Sadar came via a nerve-shredding penalty shootout. Meanwhile, Gulapganj’s path was lit up by a moment of individual brilliance from Arman Zaman, whose breathtaking solo goal against Moulvibazar left fans speechless and defenders in his wake, a goal that will live long in local football folklore.

“This tournament showed the magic of sport,” said Joynal Abdin Miah, Secretary of Sonali Othith. “We saw elders and youth, families and friends, all uniting in one space. Football became our common language, and everyone spoke it fluently.”

What set the Greater Sylhet Upazila Cup apart wasn’t just the football, it was the deeper story it told. It was about identity, belonging, and generational connection. For British Bangladeshis, this was more than just a tournament, it was a living, breathing bridge between past and future. Between the roots of Sylhet and the dreams of London.

From referees and volunteers to players and fans, every person played their part in what many have called a “festival of football”, a new gold standard in grassroots sport.

And the journey doesn’t stop here.

Next up: the Veterans Upazila Cup, returning to Mabley Green on August 24th. If the Open Age tournament was anything to go by, we’re set for another chapter of footballing excellence, steeped in tradition, driven by passion.

So here’s to the organisers, the players, and most of all; the supporters.

Because without community, football is just a game.

With it, football becomes a legacy.

#Upazila #Football #SonaliOthith #JagannathPur