The Yonex-Sunrise Bangladesh International Challenge 2025 kicked off on Tuesday at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium in Paltan, Dhaka, with Bangladesh’s shuttlers experiencing a mixed opening day in the qualification round.
Playing on home soil, the hosts had moments to celebrate but also faced stiff competition from international opponents. In men’s singles, Shuvo Khandakar impressed the home crowd with a dominant 21-12, 21-12 win over Nepal’s Pappu Pal, showing composure and control from the baseline.
Meanwhile, Akib Sulaiman fought a thrilling three-game encounter to defeat India’s Nischal Satish 21-17, 20-22, 21-19.
In women’s singles, Nasima Khatun stood out, holding her nerve to beat Nepal’s Rihane Sharchen 21-19, 21-18. However, Brishti Khatun suffered a heavy 21-5, 21-16 loss to Nepal’s Shesna Sirpali.
The afternoon session proved challenging for some of Bangladesh’s seasoned shuttlers. Aiman Ibne Jaman went down 21-11, 21-10 to Malaysia’s Kong Wei Xiang, while Al-Amin Jumar exited after a 21-9, 21-11 defeat by India’s Sai Nachiket.
The five-day tournament features 233 shuttlers from 17 countries, competing across men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, and will continue until 20 December. Bangladesh Olympic Association Secretary General Jubaidur Rahman Rana visited the venue on the opening day to watch matches and assess the tournament’s organization. On the second day, the tournament will feature not only singles but also doubles matches. Play is scheduled from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.