A total of eight group matches of the popular seven-a-side tournament, organised by Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association (BSJA) and sponsored by Square Toiletries, were held at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

Among other seeded sides, Samakal drew 1-1 with New Nation, BTV were held 0-0 by Financial Express while Bangla Vision shared points with Jai Jai Din in a goalless draw.

Sangbad recorded the biggest win of the day with Kallol scoring a brace in their 3-0 defeat of Inqilab.

CSB News edged Ittefaq 1-0, Ekushey Television defeated Manabzamin by a solitary goal while Ajker Kagoj also won by an identical margin against Sangram.

Daily Star will open their account today when they face Ittefaq.

Aminul Islam Khan, secretary of the National Sports Council, declared the 24-team event for journalist open. Bangladesh Olympic Association's COO Col (retd) Wali Ullah and Square Toiletries head of marketing Mohammed Sayeed were present as special guest.

Former national footballer turned coach Shafiqul Islam Manik and country's number one goalkeeper Aminul Haque were match adjudicators.

A minutes' silence was observed before the start of play to pay tribute to the dead victims of the countrywide flood.