‘This trophy belongs to all of you’

The trophy arrived in Dhaka before the noise did. Then the noise followed.

Bangladesh women’s futsal team returned home on Thursday evening carrying the SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship trophy and a first-of-its-kind achievement for the country. As they landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 6:15pm, applause, flowers and flashing cameras greeted a team that had made history.

Senior Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) officials were on hand to receive the champions, while Iranian coach Saeid Khodarahmi was also present.

But the moment belonged to captain Sabina Khatun.

Emerging through the VIP gate, trophy in hand, she led her teammates onto an open-top bus, turning the journey to Hatirjheel into a rolling celebration.

Fans lined the streets, waving, chanting and recording a night they did not want to forget. By the time the bus reached the Hatirjheel Amphitheatre, the gallery was nearly full, the lakeside glowing under colourful lights.

The stage, built over water, felt symbolic. Another landmark night for women’s football, at a venue now familiar with history.

The players took the stage one by one just after 9:00pm. Sabina was last. When she lifted the trophy again, the cheers grew louder.

Addressing the crowd, she shifted the spotlight away from herself.

“After bringing honour to the country, the way you continue to support us truly inspires us,” Sabina said.

“Your support is the reason behind our success. This country has immense love for football and futsal, and that love gives us motivation. From that perspective, this trophy belongs to all of you.”

Coach Khodarahmi said, “I am very happy. Futsal’s journey in this country has not been very long. Yet the girls have alread become champions. It’s unbelievable.”

Bangladesh sealed the title in Bangkok last Sunday with a commanding 14–2 win over Maldives, finishing unbeaten. Sabina ended as the tournament’s top scorer with 14 goals, leading not just with her feet, but with her voice.