TECNO, title sponsor of the TECNO SAFF Championship Bangladesh 2026, marked the opening of the tournament with a technology-led celebration at the National Stadium in Dhaka, the company said.

The opening experience combined immersive projections, laser-mapped field visuals, music, robotics and South Asian culture, placing technology innovation at the centre of the ceremony.

Opening Celebration Highlights

The celebration began with a large-scale projection and laser show across the stadium, then moved onto the pitch through laser-mapped field visuals featuring the championship identity and participating nations.

Bangladeshi-American DJ and music producer Sanjoy appeared as TECNO's Special Guest Performer. After performing “Siir Siir” at the FIFA World Cup, Sanjoy brought that energy home to Bangladesh with a special 20-minute performance wearing a custom TECNO jacket. His set combined international music with popular South Asian sounds and tributes to the participating nations.

Bangladesh's Honourable State Minister for Youth and Sports, Mohamed Aminul Haque, unveiled the TECNO SAFF Championship 2026 trophy. Rezwanul Hoque, CEO of Ismartu Technology BD Limited, joined him on behalf of TECNO Bangladesh. The President of the Bangladesh Football Federation and the Senior Vice President and General Secretary of the South Asian Football Federation also took part in the unveiling.

TECNO Leaders on the Partnership

Rezwanul Hoque, CEO of Ismartu Technology BD Limited, speaking on behalf of TECNO Bangladesh, said football creates moments that bring people together, and that the company wants to use technology and creativity to make those moments more engaging and memorable.

Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO, said football brings people together through passion, determination and unity, values he described as deeply rooted in TECNO's DNA. He said South Asia is one of the world's youngest and most vibrant regions, and that through the SAFF Championship partnership TECNO wants to bring progressive technology closer to local communities and inspire young people to dream bigger, embrace innovation and pursue their goals.

ELLA AI Extends the Championship Experience

Throughout the tournament, TECNO users in Bangladesh will be able to engage with the championship through ELLA AI. The experience will offer AI-generated score predictions, tournament highlights and interactive football content designed to make following the championship more intuitive and engaging.

TECNO said that by connecting football with practical AI experiences, it aims to turn smartphones into intelligent tournament companions that help users follow, discuss, capture and share the moments that matter.

TECNO will also continue the fan journey through interactive experience zones, digital engagement initiatives and mobile technology showcases across the stadium area. Fans will be able to participate in prediction activities and digital campaigns for opportunities to win TECNO CAMON smartphones.

Wider Football Portfolio

TECNO described the SAFF Championship Bangladesh 2026 as the latest chapter in its global football journey, building on its partnership with Manchester City Football Club from 2016 to 2022, its ongoing engagement with the CAF Africa Cup of Nations and its sponsorship of leading AFC club competitions.

As title sponsor, TECNO said it is bringing its “Stop At Nothing” spirit to South Asia and connecting with a new generation of fans through technology, creativity and shared experiences.

Tournament Details

The championship runs at the National Stadium in Dhaka from 5 November to 17 November 2026, bringing together six national teams and football fans from across the region.

TECNO said it will continue creating moments that connect communities, celebrate South Asian football and inspire young people to pursue their ambitions throughout the championship.