BRAC Bank Aparajeyo Alo programme wraps up in Sylhet

The BRAC Bank Aparajeyo Alo Women’s Hockey Development Programme 2026 concluded in Sylhet on Thursday, as organisers stressed the importance of developing women’s hockey and nurturing young talent at the grassroots level.

The closing ceremony was held at the Sylhet District Stadium, with Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) general secretary Ishtiaque Sadeque among those in attendance.

The programme also saw the participation of Sylhet City Corporation administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury, Sylhet deputy commissioner and district magistrate Abdullah Al Mamun, who also serves as president of the Sylhet District Sports Association, and several regional and district sports officials.

Local sports organisers, coaches, players and other distinguished guests were also present.

The initiative aimed to introduce young girls to hockey while improving their basic understanding of the game, technical skills and confidence. Organisers expressed hope that the programme would help produce new players and expand the sport's reach across the country.

A friendly match was held as part of the closing ceremony, with organisers expressing satisfaction over the participants’ progress after a month of training.

Sadeque praised the young players for their dedication, noting that many had picked up a hockey stick for the first time only a month earlier.

“After watching you play today, we have genuinely started to dream. Hopefully, something good will come of this, Insha’Allah,” he said.

Thanking sponsor BRAC Bank, Sadeque said the institution had played a significant role in supporting the development of women’s hockey through the Aparajeyo Alo initiative over the past two years.

He added that although Bangladesh women’s hockey had begun competing only a few years ago, the team had already achieved notable success, expressing optimism that the programme would help the sport progress further.