Qatar Foundation Supports Women’s Sports Development in Bangladesh
During a significant visit to Qatar, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus engaged in discussions with the Qatar Foundation focusing on the advancement of sports opportunities for women in Bangladesh. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in fostering sports for female athletes in the country.
Commitment to Female Athletes
On Tuesday, the Qatar Foundation publicly committed to enhancing the infrastructure for women’s sports in Bangladesh. This commitment was made during a meeting at the Earthna Summit in Doha, between Prof. Yunus and Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, the Foundation’s CEO. The initiative aims to bolster the development of sports facilities targeting female athletes, addressing a crucial need within the nation.
Highlighting Challenges Faced by Athletes
Joining Prof. Yunus were four prominent Bangladeshi athletes: footballers Afida Khandaker and Shaheda Akhter Ripa, along with cricketers Sumaiya Akhter and Sharmin Sultana. Each athlete shared their personal experiences and the obstacles they encounter in pursuing sports, such as the limited availability of training centers, gyms, and dormitory facilities designed for women.
“We are hopeful this initiative will significantly uplift women’s sports in Bangladesh,” said Afida Khandaker, the captain of the national women’s football team. “We tried to present our reality in sports to Qatar. Sheikha Hind was very attentive and sincere about our needs.”
Emotional Engagement and Future Prospects
Sheikha Hind, a former top athlete herself, expressed great empathy towards the tales shared by the athletes. She assured them of the Foundation’s dedication to creating an organization in Bangladesh focused on the development and management of these essential facilities.
Shaheda Akhter Ripa commended the Chief Adviser for prioritizing women’s sports, emphasizing that it was unprecedented at this level. “Sheikha Hind was emotionally touched by our discussion, especially about post-sports life challenges and gym facilities,” she remarked.
Expanding Exposure to Cricket
Cricketer Sumaiya Akhter pointed out the importance of increasing awareness about cricket in Qatar, where football dominates the sports culture. She invited Sheikha Hind to experience the sport firsthand by attending a match in Bangladesh. Hind responded positively, showing genuine interest.
Training Opportunities for Athletes
Sharmin Sultana highlighted the discussions regarding the medical and rehabilitation needs of athletes, with Sheikha Hind proposing that Bangladeshi athletes could receive training to become physiotherapists and trainers, thereby enhancing their skills and future prospects in sports.
Broader Cooperation Discussions
Earlier in the visit, Prof. Yunus also met with Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation and mother of the Emir. They engaged in discussions about wider areas of cooperation, with Sheikha Moza expressing her intention to visit Bangladesh soon.
A Historic Visit
This visit marks a historical moment as these four athletes are the first national players to accompany the Chief Adviser on an international trip, invited by the Qatar Foundation. Their participation underscores the commitment to enhancing the landscape of women’s sports in Bangladesh.
