Structured salary plan for all national athletes on the cards: Aminul

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Daily Sun hosted a round-table discussion titled “Grace Presents Rise of Women’s Sports”, bringing together leading women athletes, coaches, sports administrators, and policymakers to celebrate achievements and discuss challenges faced by Bangladeshi sportswomen.

The initiative had Grace as title sponsors and S Rahman Properties and Bashundhara Medical City as associate partners, highlighting the growing corporate support for women’s empowerment in sports.

The discussion provided a platform for athletes from various disciplines to share their experiences, struggles, and aspirations.

Current and former national athletes, coaches, and officials highlighted structural, financial, and institutional challenges, including limited access to training facilities, lack of financial security, social and cultural barriers, and insufficient media visibility.

Many stressed the importance of long-term career planning and post-retirement support systems for female athletes.

Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque addressed the participants, expressing appreciation for their dedication and acknowledging the progress of women in Bangladeshi sports. 

He said, “We want to ensure the safety of our women athletes, and to achieve that, a dedicated cell will be created under my ministry in collaboration with the Sports Council. Our goal is to provide women athletes with every facility necessary to excel in their respective sports.”

The State Minister highlighted government initiatives supporting athletes across disciplines, noting success stories such as weightlifter Mabia Akhter, whose achievements have inspired many.

He also emphasised the media's role in showcasing women’s sports to elevate global recognition.

“If the media brings these stories to the world, talented athletes like Jannat (Sanjida) in boxing can progress further,” he noted.

Aminul outlined plans to include national athletes in structured salary frameworks, ensuring financial stability across sports, not just cricket and football.

“Our aim is to give equal importance to all sports, from football and cricket to archery, shooting, table tennis, and weightlifting. Every athlete will receive fair remuneration without discrimination,” he added.

The former Bangladesh football team captain also placed importance on grassroots development, introducing initiatives such as mandatory sports from the fourth grade onwards in schools.

This programme aims to foster physical health, character development, and reduce device or substance dependency among youth.

Additionally, he shared plans for creating sports-friendly spaces in urban and rural areas to encourage active participation.

Highlighting upcoming projects, he mentioned the launch of “Notun Kuri Sports”, a nationwide programme for 12–14-year-olds focusing on multiple sports, gradually expanding to the national level. 

He stressed continuous year-round support for training, facilities, and sponsorship opportunities, ensuring women athletes can compete at international platforms like the Asian Games and Olympics.

The round-table featured notable athletes such as Arpita Pal and Himadri Barua Sukh (U-21 national hockey team), Salma Khatun, Marufa Akter, and Shorna Akter (women’s national cricket team), Sanjida Akhter, Arpita Biswas and Sinha Jahan Sikha (women’s national football team), shooters Kamrunnahar Koly and Tasmayati Emma Ali, chess player Noshin Anjum, weightlifter Mabia and others from archery, boxing and table tennis.

Coaches including Lina Chakma, Golam Robbani Choton, and Mahmuda Sharifa Oditi represented the coaching community. 

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.

The discussion concluded with a shared vision: promoting women’s sports through better infrastructure, policy support, financial security, and societal encouragement. 

Aminul summed up by congratulating all women athletes and assuring ongoing government support, saying, “With cooperation and dedication, we can unlock new horizons for women’s sports in Bangladesh.”