Mohanpur Upazila clinched the Rajshahi District Commissioner’s Gold Cup Football Tournament 2026, defeating Durgapur Upazila 3-2 on penalties in a thrilling final at the Rajshahi Muktijuddho Smriti Stadium on Saturday.
The match ended 1-1 after regulation time, forcing the two sides into a penalty shootout to decide the champions.
Despite persistent rain, thousands of football fans turned up at the stadium, filling the galleries before kick-off. Supporters from Mohanpur and Durgapur, as well as spectators from Rajshahi city and surrounding areas, added to the festive atmosphere.
Mohanpur made a flying start, taking the lead just three minutes into the match through Mominul. Durgapur, however, quickly recovered from the setback and restored parity in the 17th minute when defender Pronoy, wearing jersey number 2, scored after moving forward from the backline.
Both sides created opportunities and played attacking football for the remainder of the match, but neither could find the decisive goal as the 90 minutes ended 1-1.
The penalty shootout produced further drama. Mohanpur converted three of their six attempts, while Durgapur managed two from six, handing Mohanpur a 3-2 victory and the championship trophy.
The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among Mohanpur players and supporters. Goalkeeper Raihan Ali, one of the key figures in the victory, was lifted onto the shoulders of his teammates and supporters. He later went to the gallery to share the celebrations with the fans.
A prize-giving ceremony was held after the final. Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu attended the ceremony as the chief guest.
Rajshahi-3 MP Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, Rajshahi-5 MP Professor Nazrul Islam, Divisional Commissioner Md Yusuf Ali, RMP Commissioner Mohammad Faizul Kabir, Rajshahi Superintendent of Police Md Mamun-or-Rashid, Mohanpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fahima Binte Akhtar, Durgapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Umme Habiba Farzana and Mohanpur Assistant Commissioner (Land) Zobaida Sultana were present as special guests.
Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam presided over the ceremony.
Durgapur's Palash won the tournament's top scorer award, while Mohanpur's No. 10 Badal was named the tournament's best player. Mohanpur goalkeeper Raihan Ali received the best goalkeeper award. Durgapur's No. 10 Zubayer Rahman was named Player of the Match in the final.
The tournament was organised under the theme, “Rajshahi will play, Bangladesh will win.”
District Sports Association Member Secretary Md Mozammel Haque played a key role in organising the tournament. Divisional Sports Association Member Secretary Mozadded Zamani Sumon, sports organiser Muraduzzaman Elan, District Sports Officer Md Jahangir Hossain and Engineer Arifuzzaman Sohel, general secretary of Arafat Rahman Koko Smriti Krira Parishad, also contributed to the successful organisation of the competition.
The strong turnout despite the rain highlighted the enduring popularity of football in Rajshahi, with the tournament bringing renewed enthusiasm to the district's sporting scene.
