Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB)’s badminton team showcased their prowess in the sport by securing the top position in both the men’s and women’s doubles categories. The event, named the SMC+ East West Winter Smash, was an invigorating competition held from December 22-26, 2024. The battleground for this badminton competition was none other than the premises of East West University in Dhaka.
The event was a showcase of competitive spirit, with participation from over 40 universities. IUB’s players were able to swing their way into top positions in four out of the six events, proving their unrivalled skill in the sport. A testament to their athletic talent and strategic prowess was unmistakably demonstrated during the exciting course of the tournament.
The winning team in the Men’s Doubles were represented by Tipu Sultan, from the Department of Human Resource Management and Ashfak Bin Ferdous, hailing from the Department of English and Modern Languages. In an impressive showdown in the championship round, they secured a decisive 2-0 victory against their adversaries from Hazi Misir Ali College, thus earning the coveted title.
In the initial stage of the contest, they showed their mettle by overcoming formidable opponents from renowned universities. This included teams from BRAC University, Southeast University, Jahangirnagar University, and Bangladesh Army University of Engineering and Technology, rounding out the matches with swift and definitive victories.
The road to the finals didn’t go without its hurdles. Nevertheless, our champions demonstrated their skill and determination by topping the table in the second round against Team IUB 3. The quarter-final and semi-final rounds were equally challenging, with spirited matches against American International University Bangladesh and North South University, respectively.
In the Women’s Doubles segment, the championship title was clinched by Tasnim Noor from the Department of Accounting and Kazi Kayanat Soha from the Department of General Management. In the final showdown, they outwitted Team East West University 3, closing the match with a flawless 2-0 scorecard.
Right from the group stage of the Women’s Doubles, the IUB team built an impressive record. Victories against Team East West University 3 and Maritime University set the tempo for the rest of the game. The winning streak continued during the quarter-final and semi-final, where they overpowered Daffodil International University and Team East West University 2.
Although the Men’s Singles title eluded Ashfak, it wasn’t without a scintillating fight on his part. He finished as the runner-up following a nail-biting 2-1 final match against a player from Daffodil International University. Despite the final result, his performance was commendable.
Ashfak’s journey in this category included a string of victories. He sailed through the group stage, bagging straight-set triumphs over participants from European University, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College, and Team North South University 1. His victorious streak advanced into the second round as well, where he scored a win against Team BRAC University 1.
During the quarter-final round, Ashfak stood unopposed due to a fortunate walkover. The semi-final was yet another testament to his burgeoning skills as he clinched a decisive victory, this time against a player from North South University.
In the Mixed Doubles category, Tipu Sultan joined forces with Tasnim. The duo delivered a remarkable performance throughout the tournament. However, the final match saw a shift in fortune as they went down 2-0 to Daffodil International University, hence securing a runner-up position.
Their path leading up to the finals was heavily laden with fierce and spectacular matches. They registered victories against Daffodil International University, Team East West University 1, and Stamford University during the group stage. The duo continued their winning run in the quarter-finals and semi-finals against East West University and North South University, respectively.
This sports extravaganza was a thrilling spectacle made possible through the collaborated efforts of East West University and the Bangladesh Badminton Federation. It provided a platform for young and passionate athletes from across the country to come together and compete, nurturing the national love for the sport of badminton.
In the grand scheme of things, this event was much more than a series of games. It was a showcase of skill, determination, and exemplary sportsmanship, a testament to the capabilities of the students of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), who emerged triumphantly in a keenly contested tournament.
The achievements of the IUB team at the SMC+ East West Winter Smash bear witness to the exceptional talent and competitive spirit kindled within these young athletes. With this testament to their prowess, it’s safe to say that the future of badminton in Bangladesh looks bright and promising.