ছবি: The three SAFF-winning hill tract heroines honored with a royal reception in Rangamati. Photo: Collected
The three victorious hill tract footballers of the SAFF Women's Championship—Rupna Chakma, Rituparna Chakma, and Monika Chakma—were honored with a royal reception in Rangamati on Saturday. The celebrations included a floral-decorated open truck procession through the winding roads of the hills, starting from Ghagra High School, where they began their journey in football.
Organized by the Rangamati District Administration with support from Rangamati Region, the Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board, and the Rangamati Hill District Council, the reception took place at the Rangamati Mari Stadium.
Crowds of enthusiastic locals lined the roads, waving at the champions as they passed by, receiving warm responses from the footballers. Accompanying them were their childhood mentors who nurtured their football careers.
The procession concluded at Mari Stadium, where the players and their coach were greeted with heartfelt applause. Representatives of various government, social, sports, and political organizations presented the players with honorary crests and awards. Additionally, each of the three footballers received cash prizes of 350,000 BDT, and their coaches and support staff were also honored. FIFA-certified referee Jaya Chakma was similarly recognized during the event.
The players expressed pride in representing both Rangamati and Bangladesh on the international stage. However, they also highlighted ongoing concerns. Rupna Chakma requested a bridge near her home, Monika Chakma emphasized the need for electricity and roads in her area, and all three players urged the government to nationalize Ghagra High School.
Although promises from previous accolades, such as new homes and roads, remain unmet, the local administration assured that efforts are underway to address their grievances.
Brigadier General Shawkat Osman, Commander of Rangamati Region, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace to foster the development of more athletes from the region. Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain Khan reiterated the administration's commitment to solving the players' challenges.
The event, attended by senior government officials and political leaders, celebrated the athletes’ achievements and underscored the region’s pride in their success. Sports organizers expressed hope for sustaining this legacy of triumph in the future.
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