ছবি: SAFF Champions Receive Refrigerators as Gifts from Walton | Photo: BFF
Bangladesh's women’s football team, fresh off their SAFF Championship victory, continues to receive widespread acclaim and generous rewards. Amid the celebrations, team captain Sabina Khatun emphasized the importance of individual sponsorships for players, urging sponsors to step forward to support the athletes directly. "Receiving recognition is always delightful, and we are grateful for it. But if sponsors come forward to back individual players, it would greatly benefit us and the future of football in our country," Sabina stated during a reception event held at the BFF headquarters.
The recognition for the team has been substantial. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, Bangladesh Cricket Board, and Bangladesh Football Federation collectively announced a reward of Tk 1 crore, while the Bangladesh Olympic Association and the Bangladesh Army echoed the sentiment with their joint contribution. Adding to the list, Walton, a leading electronics manufacturer, gifted each player a refrigerator during Sunday’s event.
Speaking at the ceremony, Walton’s gesture was celebrated with gratitude by Sabina, who reiterated her hope for corporate houses and patrons to sponsor players individually. At the same event, Mahfuza Akter Kiron, head of the BFF Women’s Football Wing, shared aspirations for the development of the women’s league. “We’re contemplating the launch of a women’s franchise league next year and hoping that the premier league will see greater participation from top clubs to make it even more competitive,” she said.
The event also saw reflections from Peter Butler, the head coach of the SAFF-winning team. “Form is temporary, but class is permanent. The players must remember this. While gifts and accolades inspire them, they need to stay grounded,” he remarked. Highlighting the intangible qualities that define success, he added, “You can buy a fridge or other gifts in the market, but integrity, humility, and respect cannot be purchased. These values must be upheld.”
As the nation celebrates its victorious team, Sabina’s call for enduring and direct support serves as a reminder that long-term investment in athletes is key to fostering sustained success in women’s football.
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