The four-nation international women's handball tournament, the "Begum Khaleda Zia IHF Nations Trophy," is set to kick off tomorrow at the Captain M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium in Paltan. The State Minister for Youth and Sports, Md. Aminul Haque, will officially inaugurate the tournament at 11:00 AM. Following the opening ceremony and cultural performances, host Bangladesh will take on Nepal in the tournament's opening match at 2:00 PM.

The five-day tournament, named in honor of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, features four participating countries: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and the Maldives. Bangladesh faces a formidable opponent on the very first day, as the red-and-green squad lost their last two encounters against Nepal. The Nepalese team also boasts significant strength, with eight of their squad members playing for the country's army team.

In such a crucial match, Bangladesh will heavily rely on their two goalkeepers, Sumaiya Banu and Mosammat Ayesha Khatun. Sumaiya Banu, an experienced goalkeeper from Naogaon who plays for Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), has been representing the national team since 2016. She is highly confident following three months of intensive preparation under Spanish coach Ana Alonso Fragua and thorough video analysis of their opponents.

"Our preparation is excellent, and this is the first time we have had a foreign coach. If we can execute the coach's directions properly, we will do well, Inshallah," Sumaiya said.

Commenting on their opponents, she added, "We have some experience against them and have also watched their videos. Inshallah, we will be able to achieve something good."

The team's other goalkeeper is Ayesha Khatun from Jashore. Discovered through a school trial in 2022, the young keeper has adapted to modern goalkeeping techniques under the guidance of the Spanish coach. Ayesha noted, "The playing style of goalkeepers in European countries is completely different compared to ours. We hope to implement some of that European style into our game."

Expressing her determination to start the campaign with a victory, Ayesha further stated, "We are giving our best effort to defeat Nepal; the rest is the Almighty's will. We are fully prepared to face all three visiting teams."

In the day's other fixture, India will face the Maldives at 4:30 PM. All matches of the tournament will be broadcast live on the official Facebook page of the Bangladesh Handball Federation.