TL;DR:
- 19-year-old Ferdousi Akter Mariya becomes first Bangladeshi woman to complete Ironman 70.3 race, securing second position
- Mariya’s journey began in Pirganj upazila, Rangpur, where she defied societal expectations by pursuing sports from a young age
- Despite initial opposition, Mariya’s family supported her dreams, allowing her to join BKSP and pursue her passion for running and triathlons
- With limited resources and time, Mariya trained creatively and received support from mentors, friends, and sponsors to prepare for Ironman 70.3 Malaysia
19-year-old Ferdousi Akter Mariya has made history by becoming the first Bangladeshi woman to complete the grueling Ironman 70.3 race in Malaysia. The young athlete from Pirganj upazila, Rangpur, not only finished the race but also secured an impressive second position, showcasing her exceptional athletic prowess.
Mariya’s journey to this momentous achievement was not without its challenges. Growing up in a conservative family, pursuing sports was far from the norm for young girls in her community. However, Mariya’s love for sports was evident from a young age. “I have been playing football since I was in class two,” she shares, highlighting her early defiance of societal expectations.
Despite initial opposition from her family, Mariya’s determination led her to join the prestigious Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) in 2018. Her cheeky line, “I told them that if I didn’t enrol, the police would come and take you away!” eventually convinced her family to support her dreams, allowing her to pursue her passion for sports.
Mariya’s tenacity would define her journey, but the path to success was not easy. After completing her HSC exam, she moved to Dhaka to prepare for university admission. Noticing a decline in her fitness, she sought guidance from a mentor who advised her to start running marathons. This suggestion would prove to be life-changing.
Participating in her first half-marathon at the Bangabandhu Marathon in 2024, Mariya discovered a new passion. She quickly excelled in running, placing in the top three in most of the 9-10 half-marathons she participated in. However, the world of triathlons presented a new challenge, particularly swimming.
“I had never even seen the ocean before, and I couldn’t swim,” Mariya admits. Undeterred by this obstacle, she made the bold decision to register for Ironman 70.3 Malaysia, setting in motion a series of life-altering events. With only months to prepare, Mariya began learning to swim under the guidance of sports officer Ferdous Alam and trainers Mizanur Rahman and Taufiq.
Mariya’s resilience and determination were bolstered by a supportive network of mentors and friends. Dr Md A Salam assisted with the registration process, while triathlete Dr Saklayen Russel encouraged her to push her limits. Her cousin, Akterul Islam, played a crucial role in motivating her, and coach Jaya Chakma at BKSP inspired her to move forward despite the obstacles. Mohammad Hedaytul Hasan Philip helped her obtain the necessary passport.
Mariya’s journey to Ironman 70.3 Malaysia was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Baraka Group, Active Plus, Aariz Foundation, and Cycle 365, who provided her with the essential equipment, including the bicycle needed for the race.
On the day of the event, Mariya stood at the starting line, her heart pounding with anticipation. The 1.2-mile ocean swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run ahead were daunting, but she was ready. With unwavering determination, Mariya completed the race, etching her name in history as the first Bangladeshi woman to achieve this feat.
Mariya’s success story serves as an inspiration not only for young athletes in Bangladesh but for anyone facing obstacles in pursuit of their dreams. Her journey highlights the importance of grit, resilience, and the power of a supportive community in achieving even the most challenging goals.
As Mariya sets her sights on future endeavors, including the Ironman World Championship in Spain and the Olympic triathlon qualifiers in Thailand, she remains committed to her ambitious goals. “I want to do it all – Bangla Channel, English Channel swimming, Ironman, and the Olympics,” she declares, adding, “The path ahead would become easier for me if I can get enough sponsorship.”
Ferdousi Akter Mariya’s extraordinary achievement not only shatters stereotypes but also paves the way for future generations of Bangladeshi women in sports. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that with unwavering determination and the right support, no dream is too big, and no obstacle is insurmountable.
