Emdad Rahman
In lifting the Sonali Otith Masters Vets Trophy for the second time, Weavers FC received an unexpected invitation from the county of Limerick, Ireland, a city populated by approx 190,000, to participate in sporting competitions arranged by BSAI sporting club from the small progressive Irish-Bangladeshi community.
The invitation was warmly accepted to form a union partnership between London and Limerick and kick started inaugural football and badminton sporting events, promoting the city, diversity and sports in the community.
The city boosts one of Europe’s better preserved castle, the King John’s, with the King being the brother of ‘Richard the Lionheart’ and can count the late Sir Terry Wogan as one of their own.
The footballing event was opened by Mr Monirul Islam and Limerick city’s first ever councillor of Bangladeshi background, Mr Kalam Azad Talukdar, welcoming the London vets footballing team With an average age of 40 years to the city. The host team was made up of talented Limerick Irish-Bengal stars, averaging a sprightly 23 years.
A ‘grianmhar’ (Gaelic for ‘sunny’) afternoon saw a quick start by the London vets team with the lead lasting only 10 minutes after the energetic Limerick side levelled on a sharp counter attack. Weavers adjusted to the surrounding through intricate passing, skills, and displaying control in the second half – with two goals late in the game to secure victory and further silverware to their recent accolades.
The badminton event was a battle between the Limerick Irish-Bengal Badminton Stars v Weavers Badminton Club, in an open age affair, with the Limerick side including rising Irish national level talent Syed Azhar. The contest was emphatically decided on the last game where Limerick won 3v2, through class, finesse and guile, beating a Weavers side that showed power, skill and grit.
The overall football-badminton sporting events settled at 1v1, a befitting end to the visit.
BSAI Chairman, Mr Monir Islam said, “It has been a joyous occasion and we are grateful for Weavers football and badminton teams accepting our invitation. It has helped increase the awareness of our city, sports and community. We congratulate both Limerick and Weavers clubs and hope to continue this new partnership between Limerick and London.”
Weavers club Chairman Mohamed Atikur Rahman thanked BSAI Limerick for the invitation, their hospitality and for organising a thoroughly enjoyable event. He added, “We have enjoyed our time and wish to extend the invitation for the BSAI to come to London in the future.”
Weavers Football Team: Russell Rahman – Abdul Hakim – Abdul Monaf – Abul Koyer – Arshadur Rahman – Ziaur Rahman – Ruhul Alam – Guljar Miah – Moynul Islam – Abdul Kalam – Shirajul Islam – Abdool Mukith – Sheikh Siddique
Weavers Badminton team: Badsha Miah – Shirajul Islam – Abdhool Mukith – Sheikh Siddique – Abdul Kalam – Moynul Islam