Women athletes open up on struggles at ‘Rise of Women’s Sports’ round-table

Marking International Women’s Day, Daily Sun organised a special round-table titled “Grace Presents Rise of Women’s Sports”, bringing together leading women athletes, coaches, sports administrators, and policymakers to celebrate the achievements of Bangladeshi sportswomen, and discuss the challenges they continue to face in the sporting arena.

The initiative had S Rahman Properties and Bashundhara Medical City as associate partners, reflecting growing corporate engagement in promoting women’s empowerment and inclusion in sports.

The programme served as a high-level platform where women athletes from different disciplines spoke openly about their experiences, struggles, and aspirations in Bangladesh’s sports ecosystem. Current and former national athletes, coaches, and sports officials took part in the discussion, highlighting structural, financial, and institutional challenges that often hinder the development of women’s sports in the country.

Participants raised issues including limited access to quality training facilities, lack of financial security, social and cultural barriers, and insufficient media visibility. Several athletes also spoke about the need for long-term career planning and support systems for female athletes after retirement from competitive sports.

The State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque attended the round-table and listened attentively as athletes and coaches shared their concerns, expectations, and recommendations for improving the overall environment of women’s sports in Bangladesh. The former Bangladesh football team captain took notes during the discussion and assured the participants that the government would take necessary steps to address the issues raised and work towards creating better opportunities for female athletes.

At the same time, he expressed satisfaction with the consistent performances and achievements of Bangladeshi women athletes in recent years across multiple disciplines, praising their dedication and resilience, and noting that their success has brought pride and recognition to the country.

The discussion was designed to highlight the contributions of women athletes to national pride and social change while identifying key challenges and opportunities for the future. Organisers said the initiative aimed to encourage constructive dialogue among athletes, policymakers, administrators, and the media, while inspiring the next generation of girls to pursue sports through real-life success stories.

Among those present at the event were Arpita Pal, captain of the Bangladesh Under-21 hockey team, Himadri Barua Sukh, goalkeeper of the national Under-21 hockey team, SM Golam Faiyaz, manager of the Bangladesh women’s cricket team, Salma Khatun, former captain and current selector of the national women’s cricket team, Marufa Akter, fast bowler of the Bangladesh women’s cricket team, and Shorna Akter, all-rounder of the national women’s cricket team.

Sanjida Akhter of the national women’s football team also took part, alongside shooters Kamrunnahar Koly and Tasmayati Emma Ali of the Bangladesh national shooting team. Woman’s FIDE Master Noshin Anjum represented chess at the event.

Athletes from several other disciplines also joined the round-table, including Bonna Akter of the Bangladesh archery team, national boxer Sanjida Jannat, table tennis player Khoy Khoy Sai Marma, national table tennis champions Sadia Rahman Mou and Sonam Sultana Soma, and weightlifter Mabia Akhter.

Young football talents were also present, including Arpita Biswas, captain of the Bangladesh Under-19 women’s football team, and Sinha Jahan Sikha, member of the national Under-20 women’s football team.

The coaching community was represented by national women’s football coach Lina Chakma, Bangladesh football coach Golam Robbani Choton, and national women’s football coach Mahmuda Sharifa Oditi.

From Daily Sun, key management and organisers were also present, including Ahmed Rakib, Head of Business Development, Tasvir Ul Islam, Executive Director, and Md Rezaul Karim, Editor. Their participation reflected the newspaper’s commitment to supporting women’s empowerment and promoting sports initiatives at the national level.

Throughout the discussion, the athletes emphasised that the rise of women’s sports in Bangladesh has been driven by determination, hard work, and perseverance despite numerous obstacles. They expressed hope that with stronger policy support, improved infrastructure, and greater institutional backing, women’s sports in the country will continue to grow and reach new heights in the coming years.