Special Correspodent, Dhaka: American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) won the title of the “IDAB Futsal Fest 2026”, organised to encourage youth participation in sports and strengthen inter-university harmony.

Southeast University emerged as runners-up in the tournament.

Youth and Sports Ministry Additional Secretary AKM Oli Ullah handed over the trophies to the winners after the final match at the Kings Arena of Bashundhara Sports City in the capital on Friday evening.

Speaking as the chief guest at the prize-giving ceremony, Dr Oli Ullah stressed the need to popularise futsal in Bangladesh, considering the country’s dense population and shortage of playgrounds, particularly in Dhaka.

He said futsal could become an effective and popular sporting platform for young people because the game requires limited space and offers an accessible option for regular physical exercise.

Harrington Managing Director Sharafuddin Iqbal, former president of the Interior Designers Association of Bangladesh (IDAB) Shafiul Islam Babu, Harrington Assistant General Manager Basma Kazi and Creative Director AKM Nurul Haque Sumon attended the programme as special guests.

Shafiul Islam Babu said sports remain essential for maintaining good health. He congratulated all participating teams and thanked the organisers for arranging the tournament.

IDAB President Syed Kamrul Ahsan chaired the programme, while Niyazur Rahman conducted the event.

Among others, Director Wasim Sikder, Enamul Haque, Sumon Pramanik, Shariful Islam, architect Ismail Parvez, Rashed Mazhar and Designer Abdur Rahim Sarkar attended the ceremony.

Teams from several universities took part in the competition, including Southeast University, American International University-Bangladesh, State University of Bangladesh, Khulna University, University of Asia Pacific and teams from Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology.