Ispahani's Contribution to Bangladesh's Sports Development
Ispahani has always been deeply committed to fostering the growth of sports in Bangladesh, much like its contributions to the health and education sectors. The company has been a leading sponsor in the sports arena, extending its support beyond popular sports like cricket and football, embracing a wide range of sports, and promoting a vibrant sports culture across the nation. In the 1930s, the grandfather of the current Chairman, Mr. Mirza Salman Ispahani, served as the chairman of the Mohammedan Sporting Club in Calcutta. Over the years, Ispahani has sponsored nearly every sport, starting with badminton and continuing to support diverse athletic endeavors.
Cricket
Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of Bangladeshis, and Ispahani has been a key supporter of its development. When cricket faced challenges, Ispahani stepped in, sponsoring domestic and international cricket events. Some highlights of Ispahani’s contributions include:
Ispahani Cricket Academy: Established in 2004 in Chattogram, the academy has nurtured talented cricketers for over 15 years.
Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2023 & 2024: Ispahani sponsored the nation’s most popular cricket tournament for the last two consecutive years, aiding in talent development and boosting spectator engagement.
National Cricket League: Serving as a foundation for first-class cricket, Ispahani backed this league for nine consecutive years, starting in 2001.
Sponsoring Bangladesh National Cricket Team in World Cup Cricket 2007: Ispahani proudly sponsored the Bangladesh National Cricket team, showing its unwavering support during major international events.
Other International Tournaments: Ispahani has also sponsored various international cricket series, including the 2008 Ireland Series, the 2021 & 2022 Zimbabwe Series, and the 2022 Afghanistan Series.
Football
Football resonates deeply with Bangladesh’s sporting spirit, and Ispahani has consistently supported its growth. Some highlights of Ispahani’s contributions include:
Ispahani Metropolitan Pioneer Football League: Since 1990, Ispahani has been a proud sponsor of this league in Chattogram.
Ispahani Prothom Alo Inter University Football Tournament: In collaboration with Prothom Alo, Ispahani initiated this tournament in 2023, engaging 33 universities across Dhaka, Chattogram, & Cumilla.
Anwara Mannan Baig Inter-District Football Tournament: Expanding its reach beyond urban centers, Ispahani sponsored this tournament in Faridpur in 2023 to encourage football at the grassroots level.
The ISPI Inter-School Six-A-Side Football Tournament: This tournament stands as a beacon of sporting excellence in Bangladesh, captivating the hearts of high school students across the nation. As outdoor sports enthusiasts, they embrace the tournament not just for the thrill of the game but for the invaluable life lessons it imparts. Through the camaraderie of competition, young athletes develop strength, focus, and endurance, while nurturing their self-esteem and social skills. In a world increasingly dominated by indoor activities, the tournament shines as a rare opportunity for students to bask in the sun and revel in the joy of physical activity.
Initiated in 2014 with a modest twelve schools from Dhaka, the tournament has since burgeoned into a nationwide phenomenon, attracting twenty-four schools from Dhaka and a further twelve from Chattogram. Its popularity surges with each passing year, with schools clamouring for a chance to partake in the festivities. Such is its renown that requests for participation flood in not only from Dhaka and Chattogram but from schools across the country.
At the heart of this sporting spectacle lies ISPI Powder Drink, the proud sponsor and facilitator of the event since its inception. Through their unwavering support, ISPI has not only fueled the tournament’s growth but also forged meaningful connections with a diverse array of consumers. With aspirations to expand the tournament’s reach to every corner of Bangladesh, ISPI stands poised to further elevate the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie across the nation.
Golf
Ispahani has been a consistent supporter of golf in Bangladesh, sponsoring tournaments and promoting the sport’s growth. The first sponsored golf tournament in Bangladesh was held in 1989 at the Bhatiari Golf Club in Chattogram, with Ispahani as the sponsor. Presently, the Chairman of the Ispahani Group, Mirza Salman Ispahani, serves as the Vice President (Golf Wing) of Bhatiari Golf and Country Club. Ispahani has sponsored the Ispahani Cup golf tournament at Bhatiari Golf and Country Club for the last 20 years.
Squash
While squash is emerging as a promising sport in Bangladesh, it remains less popular. Ispahani has taken the initiative to sponsor and elevate its status. Ispahani has been sponsoring the “Bangabandhu International Squash Tournament” since 2021. Notably, the first Bangabandhu International Squash Tournament arranged in 2021 was the first ever PSA-approved international squash tournament in Bangladesh.
Basketball
Recognizing the global appeal and potential impact of basketball, Ispahani supports its growth in Bangladesh. Ispahani sponsors the national basketball championship and regularly sponsors tournaments in various educational institutions. Noteworthy tournaments include the Noushir Hasan Basketball Tournament, held since 2017, and the Brother Robi Memorial Basketball Tournament, held in 2023 at St. Joseph Higher Secondary School and Notre Dame University.
Bridge
Ispahani is actively involved in promoting Bridge by sponsoring tournaments and supporting the Bangladesh team in international competitions, including the World Bridge Championship in 2017.
Chess
Ispahani supports chess by sponsoring players and tournaments, including the recent Ispahani FIDE-Rated Chess Tournament for Players with Disabilities- 2024.
Handball
Ispahani has also sponsored several handball tournaments in Bangladesh.
Ispahani: A Pseudonym for Sports
The history of Ispahani’s social activities is as long-standing as its businesses. Before the propagation of ‘corporate social responsibility’ began in the world, the family took the lead in various sectors, in particular education, health, and sports.
In 1960, Mirza Ahmed Ispahani founded the Islamia Eye Institute and Hospital in the Farmgate area of Dhaka, providing rare eye treatments in the region. Over the past 61 years, this not-for-profit hospital has served at least 1 million patients annually, with approximately 50,000 patients undergoing surgery each year. Financial constraints are not a barrier to receiving treatment, as the hospital offers free services to those in need. Ispahani is currently constructing a new hospital next to the Kulaura tea garden in Sylhet.
Ispahani’s contributions to the education sector in Bangladesh are noteworthy. The family has established eight prominent educational institutions, including the Ispahani Public School and College in Chittagong and the Ispahani Girls’ School in Dhaka. In 1987, the Mirza Ahmed Ispahani School was established in Pahartali, aiming to provide free education to the children of laborers. The Ispahani Family also played a key role in constructing the Ispahani Public School and College in Cumilla cantonment area.
Ispahani has consistently sponsored sports activities, covering a wide range of disciplines. Starting with badminton in the 1930s, it is difficult to identify a sport which Ispahani has not supported. The family has been a long-time collaborator in the development of cricket in Bangladesh. Since 2001, Ispahani has sponsored the National Cricket League for nine consecutive years and supported local level competitions, in addition to sponsoring the national team in the 2007 World Cup. The Ispahani Cricket Academy in Chattogram has been producing talented cricketers for over a decade and a half. Ispahani has been sponsoring the First Division and Premier cricket league in Chattogram under CJKS (Chittagong Jila Krira Sangstha) continuously since 1983. The Ispahani Group sponsored the Bangladesh Premier League 2023 and has been supporting the Chittagong Ispahani Pioneer Football League for over a decade.
The Ispahani family’s passion for sports extends beyond sponsorship. Mirza Salman Ispahani, the current Chairman, still enjoys watching cricket matches at the stadium and has been playing golf for over three decades. Alongside his wife, he has become a golf club champion on multiple occasions and frequently visits various golf clubs around the country. In addition to this, Mirza Salman Ispahani was also a member of the Bangladesh Cricket Board for consecutive terms and is currently the Vice President of the Bangladesh Squash Federation.
The Ispahani Group’s longstanding support of golf in Bangladesh has contributed to the sport’s increased popularity. The annual Ispahani Cup Golf Tournament, which began in 1989, recently completed its 22nd edition in 2023. Mirza Salman Ispahani’s role as Vice-President (Golf Wing) at the Bhatiari Golf and Country Club has further reinforced the family’s commitment to the sport. Through their contributions, Ispahani Group has helped enhance media coverage and ensure the stability and financial sufficiency of golf in Bangladesh.
Ispahani’s history of social activities is deeply intertwined with its business endeavours. From establishing eye hospitals and educational institutions to supporting various sports, the Ispahani family has made a significant impact on society. Their contributions in the fields of health, education, and sports have uplifted communities and brought positive change to Bangladesh.
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খেলাধুলা মানেই যেন ইস্পাহানি
কর্পোরেট সোশ্যাল রেস্পন্সিবিলিটি (সি. এস. আর) এর ক্ষেত্রেও ইস্পাহানি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ভুমিকা পালন করছে। শুরু থেকেই তাঁরা বিভিন্ন গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ক্ষেত্রে সহযোগিতা করার চেষ্টা করে যাচ্ছে। বাংলাদেশে স্কুল এবং কলেজ স্থাপন করেছে, পাশাপাশি করেছে সুপরিচিত ইসলামিয়া চক্ষু হাসপাতালও। ১৯৬০ সাল থেকে শুরু করে আজ অবধি ইসলামিয়া চক্ষু হাসপাতাল থেকে লাখো বাংলাদেশী সবচেয়ে কম খরচে তাঁদের চোখের উন্নতমানের চিকিৎসা পেয়ে আসছেন নিরন্তর।
এছাড়াও ইস্পাহানি গ্রুপ বিভিন্ন খেলাধুলা যেমন ক্রিকেট, ফুটবল, স্কোয়াশ, গলফ , বাস্কেটবল দাবাসহ বিভিন্ন খেলায় পৃষ্ঠপোষকতা করেছে ও করছে। একনজরে খেলাধুলায় ইস্পাহানির অবদানসমূহঃ
- ক্রিকেটঃ বাংলাদেশের ক্রিকেট যখন এক অস্থির সময় পার করছিলো, ক্রমাগত ব্যার্থতার ফলে পৃষ্ঠপোষকরা মুখ ফিরিয়ে নিচ্ছিলো, তখন ইস্পাহানি দেশের ক্রিকেটের উন্নয়নে এগিয়ে এসেছিলো। ক্রিকেটে ইস্পাহানির অবদানসমূহ-
- ইস্পাহানি ক্রিকেট একাডেমি ২০০৪ থেকে বর্তমান।
- জাতীয় ক্রিকেট লিগ ২০০১-২০০৯।
- স্পন্সর- বাংলাদেশ জাতীয় দল- ওয়ার্ল্ড কাপ ক্রিকেট ২০০৭।
- প্রিমিয়ার ডিভিশন ক্রিকেট লিগ ২০০৫-০৬।
- সিজেকেএস স্বাধীনতা কাপ টি-টোয়েন্টি ক্রিকেট টুর্নামেন্ট
- সিনিয়র ডিভিশন ক্রিকেট লিগ ১৯৮৬-৮৭।
- ফুটবলঃ
- হাটহাজারী উপজেলা ফুটবল লিগ ২০১৫-১৬ ও ২০১৬-১৭।
- চট্টগ্রামের ইস্পাহানী মহানগরী পাইওনিয়ার ফুটবল লীগ।
- স্কোয়াশঃ ইস্পাহানি বাংলাদেশে স্কোয়াশ খেলাকে আরও একধাপ জনপ্রিয় করার লক্ষ্যে কাজ করে যাচ্ছে। বাংলাদেশ স্কোয়াশ ফেডারেশনের বিভিন্ন টুর্নামেন্টের পৃষ্ঠপোষকতা করে ইস্পাহানি। এরই ধারাবাহিকতায় বাংলাদেশে প্রথমবারের মতো আয়োজিত স্কোয়াশ টুর্নামেন্ট বঙ্গবন্ধু আন্তর্জাতিক স্কোয়াশ টুর্নামেন্ট ২০২১ এর আয়োজন করে।
- বাস্কেটবলঃ বিশ্বের অন্যান্য দেশের তুলনায় বাংলাদেশে বাস্কেটবল খেলার প্রচলন অনেক কম অথচ এটি বিশ্বের অন্যতম জনপ্রিয় একটি খেলা, যা যুব প্রজন্মের গঠনে গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ভূমিকা পালন করতে পারে। বাংলাদেশে বাস্কেটবল খেলার প্রসারে ইস্পাহানি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ভূমিকা রাখছে। দেশের বিভিন্ন শিক্ষা প্রতিষ্ঠানে আয়োজিত বাস্কেটবল প্রতিযোগিতায় ইস্পাহানি পৃষ্ঠপোষকতা করে। এর মধ্যে সেন্ট যোসেফ হাইয়ার সেকেন্ডারি স্কুলের নওশির হাসান বাস্কেটবল প্রতিযোগিতা, নটরডেম ইউনিভার্সিটির বাস্কেটবল টুর্নামেন্ট অন্যতম।
- গলফঃ ইস্পাহানি কাপ গলফ টুর্নামেন্টসহ ঢাকা ও চট্টগ্রামে আয়োজিত গলফ টুর্নামেন্টগুলোর পৃষ্ঠপোষকতা।
- ব্রিজঃ বাংলাদেশে ব্রিজ খেলার প্রচলন ও প্রসারে ইস্পাহানি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ অবদান রাখছে। ব্রিজ খেলার প্রত্যেকটি টুর্নামেন্ট স্পন্সর করাসহ ব্রিজ বিশ্বকাপে বাংলাদেশের একমাত্র অংশগ্রহণেও দলের স্পন্সর ছিলো ইস্পাহানি।
- চট্টগ্রাম জেলা ক্রীড়া সংস্থার পৃষ্ঠপোষকতা করছে।
- চট্টগ্রাম মহানগরীর পৃষ্ঠপোষকতা করছে ১৯৯০ থেকে বর্তমান।
- ব্যাডমিন্টনঃ ইস্পাহানি জাতীয় জুনিয়র ও সাব জুনিয়র ব্যাডমিন্টন চ্যাম্পিয়নশিপ ২০১২
Sports Awards Information
Ispahani: A Pseudonym for Sports
The history of Ispahani’s social activities is as long-standing as its businesses. Before the propagation of ‘corporate social responsibility’ began in the world, the family took the lead in various sectors, in particular education, health, and sports.
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