Dhaka, April 25 – Recently, four female athletes from Bangladesh arrived back after accompanying Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus on an official trip to Qatar. They spoke about their experiences with journalists at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Friday.
This landmark visit marked the first occasion when women athletes participated alongside the head of government as official representatives during an international mission.
Football players Afida Khandakar and Shaheda Akhter Ripa, along with cricket athletes Sumaiya Akhter and Sharmin Sultana, showcased Bangladesh's increasing involvement in female athletics.
On Friday, following their return home, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder presented the athletes to the media.
"They visited Qatar's sports facilities, met with senior sports officials, and were interviewed by the local media. It was a completely new experience for them," Azad Majumder said.
Sharmin Sultana, who was among the two female cricketers participating in this visit, mentioned that the tour held great importance for them.
Sharmin told the press, "We toured two prominent stadiums; one previously held the men’s FIFA World Cup and currently focuses on women’s soccer. Additionally, we got to converse with the initiator of the Qatar Foundation, an organization that promotes women’s athletics."
"It was truly an honor. We received congratulations from people all through our journey," said Sumaiya Akhter, the other cricket player.
Shaheda Akter Ripa pointed out that the visiting delegation addressed the difficulties faced in managing injuries among women athletes in Bangladesh throughout their discussions.
He mentioned that they brought up the topic of inadequate rehabilitation centers for female athletes," referring back to their discussion with the prominent representative from the Qatar Foundation.
Afida Khandakar, the female football player, stated that it was a significant accomplishment for them and for women's sports in Bangladesh to journey as official delegates alongside the Chief Adviser.
This trip formed part of Bangladesh’s official representation at the Earthna Summit held in Doha. Following their conclusion in Qatar, the Chief Adviser proceeded to the Vatican for the papal funeral, as the newly deceased Pope had succumbed to a long battle with illness not long ago.
