In a country where cricket and football command almost every headline, 2025 became the rare year when hockey forced its way into the national conversation. At a time when lesser-known disciplines usually struggle for space, Bangladesh hockey managed to capture attention through performance, organisation and belief -- offering a powerful reminder of the untapped potential that still exists beyond the big two.

After scripting history a day earlier by sending four pairs into the quarterfinals, the home shuttlers maintained their momentum, winning three of the four last-eight encounters to secure places in the final four.

Bangladesh’s Al-Amin Jumar and Urmi Akter fought bravely but went down in straight sets in the mixed doubles final of the Yonex-Sunrise Bangladesh International Challenge badminton championship at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium on Saturday.

Bangladesh badminton scaled a historic height on Friday night as Al-Amin Jumar and Urmi Akter stormed into the mixed doubles final of the Yonex-Sunrise Bangladesh International Challenge, becoming the first Bangladeshi pair to reach the final of any event in the tournament’s history.

Bangladesh's top two female shuttlers -- Urmi Akhter and Nasima Khatun -- have long been teammates, representing the Bangladesh Army. Both learned the sport in Pabna, yet over the years, a quiet rivalry has developed between them, especially in the finals of national and summer badminton championships.

Now 28 and working as a software engineer, Ayman Ibn Zaman spoke to The Daily Star's Anisur Rahman about his comeback, the evolution of badminton in Bangladesh, and his hopes for the sport's future. Following are the excerpts:

For Polina, ranked 69th in the world, the emotional toll of the war remains immense.

Shi went down 21-13, 21-15 to world number 17 Lee in South Korea.

In cities across Taiwan, from Wang's home in the capital Taipei to southern Kaohsiung, and Lee's hometown on the island of Kinmen just off the coast of China, public screens were set up that lured thousands of fans.

Scholastica, Rajuk Uttara Model College, and Shaheed Police Smirty College emerged as the winners of the win HSBC-Mayor’s Cup School Badminton Tournament sponsored by HSBC in partnership with Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Bangladesh Badminton Federation (BBF).

Dhaka is a place that is full of rich history and culture and is known for its vibrant streets, bustling markets, and delicious cuisine. While the scorching summer heat can be intense in Dhaka, the city also has its fair share of beautiful winter days, with clear blue skies and a crisp, cool breeze.

The squeaking of the rubber soles, the ‘pop’ sound when shuttles hit the sweet spot of badminton rackets, the frequent announcements of games’ commencements and screaming from the participants and audiences, all of it combined have apparently brought back life surrounding the newly installed wooden floor at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium yesterday.

Sport was halted by the Covid-19 pandemic and although some have already come out of that slumber, other disciplines are still trying to find their feet. Finally, after a patient three-year wait, the 37th edition of the National Badminton Championship is set to take the stage at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium in Dhaka today.

A few honourable mentions as badminton season approaches.

A conflict between two groups of shuttlers over the control of the Bangladesh Badminton Players' Welfare Association (BBPWA) spiralled out of control.

Minhaj and Shapla won singles titles of the Rockland Summer Open (Ranking) Badminton Tournament, which concluded at the

The pairs of Elina and Nabila, and Shapla and Dulai moved into the semifinals of the women's doubles in the Rockland Summer Open (Ranking) Badminton Tournament at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium yesterday.

Shapla Akter, Erina and Bristy moved into the quarterfinals of women's singles in the Rockland Summer Open (Ranking)