Ankara, Türkiye:
The Bangladesh Ethnosport team achieved a notable success at the Togyzqumalaq & Mangala Asian Cup 2025, held in Ankara, the capital of Türkiye, from 16 to 22 December 2025. Competing in the highly competitive, Bangladeshi athlete Md. Rezaul Karim Molla secured an impressive third place, bringing pride and recognition to the nation.
The prestigious international tournament featured strong participation from several countries, including Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and host nation Türkiye, alongside Bangladesh, making the competition highly competitive and globally significant.
The opening ceremony of the championship was attended by distinguished guests, including Mr. Levent Kılıç, Governor of Ankara’s Sincan District, and Mr. Murat Era, Mayor of Sincan Municipality. Several other prominent figures from the sports and administrative sectors were also present, highlighting the importance of the event.
The award-giving ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries such as Mr. Levent Kılıç, Governor of the Ankara’s Sincan District; Mr. Alican KILIÇ, Director of the District National Education of Ankara; Dr. Muhammad Shahanoor Alam, Counsellor & Deputy Chief of Mission, Bangladesh Embassy in Ankara, Turkey; Ms. Zeynep Safiye Baki NALCIOĞLU, Vice President of the Turkish Traditional Sports Federation; Mr. Md. Al Mamun, Vice President of the World Togyzqumalaq Federation & President of the International Ethnosport Bangladesh Association; Mr. Maksat Shotayev, Secretary General of the World Togyzqumalaq Federation (Kazakhstan); Mr. Naim Belgin, President of Uniunii Democrate Tătare (Romania); and Ms. Canan ALICIOĞLU, President of the Bestemshe Togyzkumalak and Mangala Games Association of Türkiye. The guests formally presented awards to the winning athletes.
A three-member delegation from Bangladesh participated in the championship under the leadership of Md. Al Mamun, President of the International Ethnosport Bangladesh Association. The delegation also included Salahuddin Chowdhury and medalist Md. Rezaul Karim Molla. The Bangladesh team demonstrated confidence and technical skill in both Mangala and Togyzqumalaq events.
It is noteworthy that Mangala and Togyzqumalaq are ancient, intellect-based ethnosports that emphasize strategic thinking, mathematical calculation, and deep cultural heritage. These traditional games continue to gain global recognition as symbols of cultural identity and intellectual excellence.
Stakeholders believe that Bangladesh’s medal achievement at this international competition will further strengthen the country’s position in the global ethnosports arena and open new opportunities for greater participation and success at future international events.
