TL;DR:
- The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) announced a Tk1.5 crore bonus for the women’s football team after their second consecutive SAFF Championship win.
- This bonus is in addition to the Tk1 crore reward previously announced by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
- The decision was made during the first meeting of the newly elected BFF committee, led by president Tabith Awal, on November 9, 2024.
- The reward recognizes the team’s significant contribution to Bangladesh’s football success, especially captain Sabina Khatun and other key players.
The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has announced a substantial bonus of Tk1.5 crore for the national women’s football team following their historic second consecutive victory in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024. This reward comes in addition to the Tk1 crore already promised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, bringing the total financial recognition for the team to Tk2.5 crore.
The announcement was made on November 9, 2024, during the first meeting of the newly elected BFF committee, led by its new president, Tabith Awal. The decision is seen as a significant gesture to honor the team’s continued success and to motivate them for future achievements. The BFF emphasized that this bonus reflects the team’s remarkable contribution to Bangladesh’s growing prominence in South Asian football.
The victory in Kathmandu, Nepal, where Bangladesh defeated Nepal 2-1 in a thrilling final, marked their second consecutive SAFF title after their first win in 2022. This achievement has been hailed as a milestone for women’s sports in Bangladesh, with standout performances from key players such as Sabina Khatun, the team captain, and Ritu Porna Chakma, who scored the decisive goal in the final.
In addition to announcing the bonus, BFF also finalized several administrative decisions during the meeting. A finance committee was appointed for a four-year term, while other committees will serve for one year. These moves mark a new chapter under Awal’s leadership, with hopes of further strengthening football governance and development in Bangladesh.
The women’s team has been widely celebrated since their return from Nepal. Upon their arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on November 7, they were greeted with fanfare by fans and officials alike. The victory parade through Dhaka highlighted the nation’s pride in their achievement.
This financial reward is expected to further boost morale among players and encourage continued investment in women’s football. As Bangladesh’s women’s football team continues to excel on the international stage, this recognition underscores their importance not only as athletes but as national icons representing resilience and excellence.
The BFF’s decision comes at a time when discussions around gender equity in sports are gaining momentum. Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain had previously acknowledged disparities between male and female athletes’ facilities and vowed to address these issues moving forward.
With this latest victory and increased support from both government and sporting bodies, Bangladesh’s women’s football team is poised for even greater success on the international stage.
Source: TBS News
