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Marathon world record-holder Kelvin Kiptum, who was set to be a superstar, has died in a car crash
Marathon world record-holder Kelvin Kiptum, who was set to be a superstar of long-distance running and was a top contender for gold at the Olympics in Paris this year, was killed along with his coach in a car crash in Kenya.
Their vehicle was the only one involved in the crash late Sunday and Kiptum was driving when it veered off a road and into a ditch before hitting a tree, police said.
Kiptum was 24 and one of the most exciting prospects to emerge in road running in years, having broken the world record in only his third appearance in an elite marathon. His record, set at last year's Chicago Marathon, was ratified by international track federation World Athletics just last week.
His death reverberated through Kenya, where runners are the biggest sports stars. Kenyans have also gotten used to tragic tales involving their top athletes after a number have died in road crashes, other accidents and domestic violence cases.
"He was only 24," Kenyan President William Ruto said in a statement offering his condolences. “Kiptum was our future.”
Kiptum and his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana, were killed in the crash at around 11 p.m., police said. It happened near the town of Kapsabet in western Kenya, in the heart of the high-altitude region that's renowned as a training base for the best distance runners from Kenya and across the world.
Kiptum was born and raised in the area.
A third person, a 24-year-old woman, was also in the car and was taken to a hospital with serious injuries, police said. Kiptum and Hakizimana died at the scene.
Athletes and family members, including Kiptum's father, gathered at the hospital mortuary where the bodies of Kiptum and his coach were taken. One of the athletes, former women's steeplechase world champion Milcah Chemos, struggled to speak while breaking down in tears.
“I have no words to explain the loss of Kelvin,” she said.
Kenneth Kimaiyo, a friend of Kiptum, said he arrived at the crash scene soon after it happened and Kiptum had been thrown out of the car. Photos showed the silver car with a badly mangled roof and one of the doors flung open.
Kiptum was the first man to run the marathon in under 2 hours, 1 minute in an official race when he set the world record of 2:00.35 in Chicago in October, beating the mark of fellow Kenyan and marathon great Eliud Kipchoge.
Kiptum and Kipchoge were expected to provide an enticing all-Kenyan battle for marathon gold in Paris and Kiptum was due to start his season at the Rotterdam Marathon in April, which would have been his first event since breaking the world record.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe was one of the first to offer his condolences in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana,” Coe wrote. “On behalf of all World Athletics we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the Kenyan nation.”
“It was only earlier this week in Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon World Record, that I was able to officially ratify his historic time. An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly,” Coe wrote.
David Rudisha, Kenya's two-time Olympic champion in the 800 meters, wrote on X that Kiptum's death was "a huge loss.”
Kiptum had immediate success by running the fastest time ever by a marathon debutant at the 2022 Valencia Marathon. The following year, he won the London and Chicago races, two of the most prestigious marathons in the world. He set a new course record at the London Marathon last April and then became the fastest marathoner in the world months later.
While young and new to the circuit, he had already run three of the seven fastest marathon times ever recorded and was seen as a rare talent.
But he was also the latest Kenyan star to die in devastating circumstances.
David Lelei, an All-Africa Games silver medalist, died in a car crash in 2010. Marathon runner Francis Kiplagat was among five people who were killed in a crash in 2018. Nicholas Bett, who won gold in the 400 meter hurdles at the 2015 world championships, also died in a car crash in 2018.
Rudisha, former 10,000 meters world champion Moses Tanui and Olympic silver medalist Paul Tergat have all survived serious road accidents in the East African country.
Samuel Wanjiru, the 2008 Olympic marathon champion who was also tipped to be an all-time great, died in 2011 at the age of 24 after falling from a balcony at his home in Kenya.
Kenyans were perhaps most shocked when Agnes Tirop, a multiple cross-country world champion, was stabbed to death in her home in 2021, allegedly by her husband. He was charged with murder.
Premier Div Chess: Bangladesh Police emerge unbeaten champions
Bangladesh Police emerged unbeaten champions in the Bangabandhu Premier Division Chess League-2023-24 after the day's last round matches held at the Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room on Sunday (Feb 11).
.Dr. Shoeb Reaz Alam- led Police team clinched the league crown securing 19 points after beating Bangladesh Biman by 2.5-1.5 game points in the day's last round.
From this year's Bangabandhu Premier Division Chess League, Indian IM Mohammad Nubairshah Shaikh has achieved a grand master norm while Mrittika Mallick of India has achieved an international women's master norm.
Md Arifuzzaman Arif led Palli Sanchay Bank finished runners-up while Mahbubul Alam Biswas led - Titas Club became 3rd securing 15 points points each.
Later, in the game points counting, Palli Sanchay Bank finished runners-up with 27.5 points while Titas Club became 3rd with 25 points.
Besides, Bangladesh Biman secured fourth place with 14 points.Leonine Chess Club became 5th, Sheikh Russell Chess Club became 6th and Bangladesh Navy became 7th with 10 matches points each. Manha's Castle became 8th with 8 points, Janata Bank Officers Welfare Society became 9th with 4 points, Uttara Central Chess Club became 10th with 3 points and Rupali Bank Krira Parishad became 11th with 2 points.
In the day's other last round matches, Palli Sanchay Bank defeated Uttara Central ChessClub by 2.5-1.5 points, Titas Club defeated Bangladesh Navy by 3-1 game points, Janata Bank Officers Welfare Society defeated Rupali Bank Krira Parishad by 3.5-0.5 game points. Sheikh Russell Chess Club drew with Manha's Castle by 2-2 game points.
Eleven teams participated in this year's chess league in round robin league system.
Roll of honour:
2011-Champion-Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club, Runners-Up-Bangladesh Biman, 2012- Champion-Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club, Runners-Up- Duronto Rajshahi, 2013- Champion-Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club, Runners-Up-Bangladesh Navy,2014-Champion- Bangladesh Navy, Runners-Up- Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club,2015-Champion-Sheikh Russell Memorial Chess Club, Runners-Up-Bangladesh Navy,2016-Champion-SAIF Sporting Club, Runners-Up- Sheikh Russell Memorial Chess Club,2017-Champion-Bengal Chess Club, Runners-Up-SAIF Sporting Club,2018-Champion- SAIF Sporting Club, Runners-Up-Bangladesh Navy,2019-Champion-Bangladesh Police, Runners-Up- SAIF Sporting Club,2020- Champion-Bangladesh Police, Runners-Up-Shahin Chess Club,2021- Champion- Bangladesh Police, Runners-Up-SAIF Sporting Club, 2022- Champion- SAIF Sporting Club, Runners-Up- Bangladesh Police.
50th Aga Khan Gold Cup Golf Tournament held at Kurmitola Golf Club
Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of General Staff of Bangladesh Army on Friday inaugurated the three-day-long ‘50th Aga Khan Gold Cup Golf Tournament 2024 at the Kurmitola Golf Club as the chief guest.
The tournament is sponsored by Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Bangladesh.
Approximately 500 golfers participated in this tournament from all clubs of the country, including representatives of the diplomatic community in Bangladesh, said a media release.
The tee-off was witnessed, among others, by Madad Ali Virani, President, Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Bangladesh, Vice President Salimah Kassam, Major General Mohammad Shaheenul Haque, Master General of the Ordnance, Bangladesh Army and Vice President, Kurmitola Golf Club, Brigadier General Md Mahbubus Samad Chowdhury, Club Captain, Kurmitola Golf Club, Brigadier General Abidur Reza Khan (Retd), Tournament Director, Kurmitola Golf Club, Colonel Md Shahidul Haque (Retd), Chief Executive Officer, Kurmitola Golf Club, Lieutenant Colonel Abu Md Sayedur Rahman (Retd), General Manager, Club Affairs, Kurmitola Golf Club, Lieutenant Colonel Md Anwar Hossain (Retd), General Manager, Golf Operations, Kurmitola Golf Club, members of His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Bangladesh and high officials of the Kurmitola Golf Club.
The Aga Khan Gold Cup Golf Tournament was co-sponsored by IPDC Finance Limited, Olympic Industries Limited, Synergies Sourcing Bangladesh, ZXY International, Bombay Sweets and Co Ltd., Mumtaz Herbal Products, Habib Bank Limited, Dhaka Thai Limited, Standard Finis Oil Co., and Bengal Glass Works Limited.
The prize giving ceremony will be held on Saturday evening at the Banquet Hall of Kurmitola Golf Club.
Sanjida of Bangladesh emerges as first women's foreign booter to score for Kolkata East Bengal
Bangladeshi right winger Sanjida Akter emerged as the first women's foreign booter to score for Kolkata East Bengal Club in the Indian Women's (Football) League in Kolkata on Monday.
Bangladeshi poster girl Sanjida Akter scored the only goal for Kolkata East Bengal Club in the 48th minute by a brilliant free kick from about 40 yards in her 2nd appearance, although her team conceded 1-3 goals defeat against Kickstart FC of Karnataka at the East Bengal Club ground in Kolkata on Monday.
Aruna Bag, Sonia Marak and Karishma scored one goal each for Kickstart FC, which dominated the first half by 2-0 goals
Bangladesh captain Sabina Khatun, who played for Sanjida's rivals team Kickstart FC in the Indian women's league in the day's match only for last few minutes, failed score any, despite playing three league matches.
In the seven-team Indian Women's League, Sanjida Akter's East Bengal Club remained at the 6th slot securing only four points while Sabina Khatun's Kickstart FC are in the 3rd place collecting 17 points.
Bangladesh Navy, BGB win V-Day Volleyball
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Bangladesh Navy won their respective matches in the Victory Day Volleyball Tournament at the Shaheed Nur Hossain National Volleyball Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday.
National Youth Handball: Dhaka District win day's both matches
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) outplayed Bangladesh Fire Service by straight 3-0 sets while Bangladesh Navy beat BKSP by 3-1 sets.
The day's other matches between Power Development Board and Bangladesh Jail, and Bangladesh Air Force and Bangladesh Police were in progress till the last reports were received.
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Four more matches will be held on Monday (Jan 29) at the same venue.
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National Youth Handball: Dhaka District win day's both matches
Dhaka District won the day's both the matches of the Walton U-17 National Youth Handball Tournament '2024 at the Shaheed Captain (Retd) M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium here on Sunday.
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Dhaka District beat Chattogram District by 30-23 goal after leading the first half by 16-10 goal in the day's first match Sunday morning.
They beat Chapainawabganj District by 45-33 goal after dominating the first half by 19-15 goal at the same venue in the 2nd match Sunday afternoon.
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Earlier in the day's first match, Bandarban District outplayed Chapainawabganj District by 58-36 goal after dominating the first half 31-18 goal at the same venue this morning.
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Sura Krishna triumphs in Bangkok: A lightning victory for Bangladesh
In a stunning display of skill and power, Bangladesh's boxing pride, Sura Krishna Chakma, known for his lightning-fast hands, secured a phenomenal victory in an international match today (January 25, 2024) in Bangkok.
The much-anticipated event, "Way of the Champions: Roar of Dragons," hosted by Thailand's premier promoter, Highland Promotions, at the Spaceplus venue, saw Sura Krishna, popularly known as “Jummo Rock”, taking on Thai contender Sornram Sopakul in the Lightweight division.
The bout, initially slated for six rounds, was dramatically cut short when Sura Krishna delivered a knockout just 1 minute and 50 seconds into the second round, according to a media release. His formidable combination of powerful punches and sharp jabs enthralled the audience, demonstrating his boxing mastery.
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This victory follows Sura Krishna's previous triumph in the Super Lightweight Intercontinental Championship under the Asian Boxing Federation, further cementing his status as a global boxing icon.
The event was graced by the presence of prominent figures from the Bangladesh Boxing Foundation, including Chairman Adnan Haroon and Vice Chairman Arman Haque, who celebrated Sura Krishna's remarkable achievement.
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In his statement, Haroon expressed immense pride: "Witnessing our nation's finest lightweight boxer triumph in the biggest promotion in Thailand is both a joyous and proud moment for us."
The tournament featured 10 bouts, highlighting the talents of boxers from various countries such as Singapore, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Australia, and Bangladesh, offering a spectacle of international boxing prowess.
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With sanctioning from both the WBA (World Boxing Association) Asia and the Asian Boxing Federation, the event upheld high standards of competitive sportsmanship.
Supporting Bangladesh's participation, bKash collaborated with Xcel Sports Management and Promotions, ensuring a seamless and impactful presence in the international boxing arena.
Rezwan elected BSPA president, Samon general secretary
Razwan-uz- zaman Rajib of Channel 24 was elected as the new president and Samon Hossain of Dainik Manab Zamin was re-elected as general secretary of the Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA) for the next two years.
All the 19- member executive committee of BSPA was elected unopposed during the biennial general meeting of the association, held at the Dutch-Bangla Auditorium of BOA on Wednesday, with its president Sanat Babla in the chair.
The other office bearers and EC members are:
Vice Presidents -Kazi Shahidul Islam (Ajkaler Khabor), Sudipta Ahmed Ananda (Desh Rupantor), Joint Secretaries – Faisal Md Titumir (BBC Bangla), Rezwan Sultan Shoeb (Channel 24), Treasurer- Miah Rafiqul Islam (Sangram). Organising Secretary - M Samiur Rahman (Desh Rupantor), Office Secretary – M Masuk Miah (Amader Shomoy) and Sports & Cultural Secretary - Abu Horaira Tamim (ETV).
EC members are- Khairul Islam Shahin (Free Lancer), Talha Bin Nazrul (Free Lancer), M Anwar Ullah (Bangladesh Post), Parag Arman (ATN Bangla), Shabuddin Shahab ( Karotoa), Rashida Afzalunnessa (BSS), Abu Noman Mohammadullah (All Out Sports), Raihanuddin Russell ( Kalbela) and Sajal Kumar Mitra Richard ( Somoy TV).
BSPA life member Biman Bhattacharjee conducted the election as the chief election commissioner, while Mofakkarul Islam Dilkosh, Yeahia Munna and Ziauddin Saimoom acted as his deputies.
Shamsun Nahar Hall Sports: Juairiya emerges champions, Nilufa runner-up
Juairiya Ferdous of Mass Communication and Journalism Department emerged champion in the Shamsun Nahar Hall Annual Sports Competition of Dhaka University held at University Central playground on Monday.
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Nilufa Yesmin of History Department finished runner-up in the day -long meet.
Pro Vice Chancellor (Administration) of Dhaka University Prof Dr Muhammad Samad inauguarated the meet as the chief guest Monday morning.
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Provost of Shamsun Nahar Hall Prof Dr Lafifa Jamal presided over the inaugural function.
University teachers, hall employees and volunteers also took part in the 24 events of the meet alongside the students.
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After the meet, DU Treasurer Prof Momtaz Uddin Ahmed distributed the prizes among the winners in the afternoon.
Sania Mirza’s Family Confirms Her Divorce from Shoaib Malik
Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza's family has officially confirmed the end of her marriage to Pakistani cricket star Shoaib Malik.
The confirmation surfaced a day after Shoaib posted images with his newlywed wife, Sana Javed, a Pakistani actress.
Sania and Shoaib had tied the knot in 2010, sparking immense interest among cricket fans, particularly from India and Pakistan.
“Sania has always kept her personal life away from the public eye,” reads a statement from the Mirza family. “However, today the need has arisen for her to share that Shoaib and she have been divorced for a few months now. She wishes Shoaib well for his new journey ahead!”
While Sania is currently engrossed in the commentary box at the Australian Open, Shoaib is busy playing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Sania and Shoaib share parenthood of a son, who lives with Sania.