They’ve kept their word and brought back the soccer title. These girls from the plains and the small hills of Bangladesh beat Nepal, land of the lofty Himalayas. Marzia, the girl from the village Kalsindur at the foot of Mymensingh’s Garo hills, kept her promise. It was her goal that led Bangladesh to the 1-0 win against Nepal. We congratulate the under-14 girls’ football team for bringing home the title.
Behind this victory lies an amazing tale. Ten of the 18 players of the team are girls from poor families in a remote village of Mymensingh. It was the enthusiasm of a certain teacher that led to the formation of this team, despite poverty, disapproval and apprehension. The girls came from Kalsindur, as well as from Tangail, Rajshahi, Satkhira, Rangamati and Rangpur. These girls proudly brought home the Central and South Asia under-14 football champions cup.
The endeavour of the teacher from Kalsindur and his students was first revealed by Prothom Alo in a special report on 22 August. Prothom Alo made a documentary film on these girls and screened this at the daily’s 17th anniversary. It caught the people’s attention.
Now after cricket, it looks like there are good times for football ahead too. All the countrymen share the joy and inspiration generated by sports. The strength and determination of the young ones in the field of sports creates confidence within us as a nation.
We hope this victory also serves to uphold women’s respect and ensure their security.
Prothom Alo
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