|| Sports Correspondent: The Labaid-Walton DRU Media Cup Cricket Tournament 2026 got underway on Monday at the Paltan Outer Stadium in the capital, with several media houses making winning starts in an exciting opening day of competition.Organised by the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), with sponsorship from Labaid and Walton, the tournament brought together cricket-playing teams representing leading national newspapers, television channels and online news outlets.On the opening day, Baishakhi Television, Star News, Ekattor TV, Independent Television, The Financial Express, GTV, BanglaNews24.com and Desh Rupantor registered victories. The Business Standard and bdnews24.com also secured walkover wins after their respective opponents failed to appear within the scheduled time.Baishakhi Television defeated Protidiner Bangladesh after scoring 93 runs. Partha played a leading role with 46 runs and was named Player of the Match.Star News produced a dominant performance against Sangram, dismissing the latter for just nine runs before completing the victory without losing a wicket. Suman received the Player of the Match award.The encounter between The Daily Star and Independent Television ended in a tie at 102 runs. However, Independent Television were declared winners after The Daily Star did not participate in the Super Over. Mehedi of Independent Television was named Player of the Match.The Financial Express defeated Ajker Patrika, with Sajib earning the Player of the Match award for his impressive performance.Ekattor TV recorded the biggest victory of the opening day. Batting first, the team posted 138 runs, powered by an outstanding 88-run innings from Shafi. In reply, Rising BD were bowled out for just 11 runs. Shafi was the obvious choice for Player of the Match.GTV defeated Channel One by nine runs in another competitive encounter. GTV scored 97 runs, while Channel One managed 88. Jewel of GTV received the Player of the Match award.BanglaNews24.com secured an eight-run victory over Dhaka Post. After scoring 127 runs, BanglaNews24.com restricted their opponents to 119. Miraj starred with an impressive 83 runs and was named Player of the Match.Desh Rupantor also began its campaign with a victory, defeating Ekushey Television. Ekushey Television scored 40 runs before Desh Rupantor reached the target with 41. M M Jasim, who scored 20 runs, was named Player of the Match.Following the day's matches, prizes were distributed among the winning teams by Labaid CEO Dr Sambit Kumar Das and the organisation's official Masud Ahmed, along with Walton Senior Additional Executive Director Robiul Islam Milton.DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel were also present at the prize-giving ceremony.The programme was conducted by DRU Sports Secretary Omar Faruk Rubel. Among others attending were DRU Vice-President Mehdi Azad Masum, Treasurer Niaz Mahmud Sohel, Organising Secretary M M Jasim, Welfare Secretary Rafiq Mridha and Executive Committee Members Mahfuz Sadi and Sumon Chowdhury.The tournament aims to strengthen professional bonds, promote physical fitness and encourage camaraderie among journalists through the spirit of sportsmanship and healthy competition.