BKSP stars lead Bangladesh Youth Table Tennis squad

The Bangladesh Table Tennis Federation announced on Friday its preliminary squad for the upcoming South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship 2026, following a rigorous five-day selection process. From the top 32 performers in the Under-19 and Under-15 categories for boys and girls, 16 players have been chosen to represent the country.

In the Under-19 category, Md Nafiz Iqbal emerged as the top boy, while Khoy Khoy Sai Marma led the girls’ field. Among the Under-15 players, Md Shaheen Ahmed claimed the top spot for boys, with Jannat Islam Roza dominating the girls’ section. All four are trainees of the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan (BKSP). 

Remarkably, Khoy Khoy and Jannat Islam Roza remained undefeated across 12 matches in the first and second selection trials, a feat that secured them the title of champions.

The final 16-player squad, selected at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium, includes 13 BKSP students, two players nominated by the Army, and one from the Rangpur District. 

The Under-19 boys’ squad is completed by Abul Hashem Hasib, Tahmidur Rahman Sakib, and Md Monirul Islam, while the girls’ section features Reshmi, Aishi Rahman from the army, and Nusrat Jahan. The Under-15 boys’ contingent includes Md Mridul Rahman, Tahmidul Islam Porosh, and Md Rabbi Islam from the army, and the girls’ lineup is completed by Md Rafia Chowdhury, Md Jannatul Roza from Rangpur, and Sabia Akter Papia.

BTTF Secretary General Captain AM Maksud Ahmed Sonet said, “Although the fixtures for the South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship have yet to be announced, we have proactively selected the squad to begin preparations. BKSP will play a key role, and local training programmes are being planned to ensure our players are in top form.”

With BKSP producing the majority of the squad, Bangladesh’s young table tennis prospects look promising as they gear up to take on their South Asian rivals.