The ladies’ football team came back to Dhaka on Thursday afternoon for the victory they achieved in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024. The team was able to retain the trophy by walloping Nepal 2-1 in the much-touted final match that happened at the Dasharath Rangasala Stadium.
When the team reached the airport, they were surrounded by so many people of fans, officials, and media practitioners. The tension and excitement were both palpable: fans were holding flags and singing the last names of their favorites. Such a warm welcoming of the Madam also reflects the increased scenario of awareness and acceptance of women’s football in Bangladesh.
The victory puts the team in the second consecutive triumph of SAFF Women’s Championship title. These achievements are back to back showing one form of steady advancement of the women’s football in the country. It also includes the quality work done by the players, coaching staff and Bangladesh football federation.
The last match of the series was also one of the most exciting to watch against the Nepalese team. Amidst such cut throat competition the Bangladesh women’s team was up to the challenge and made a splendid performance to come out victorious in the game with 2-1. This win also helped the nation to earn pride and at the same time motivate many young girls in Bangladesh who dream of playing football in future.
The Women Team success can be seen in contrast to the recent dismal form of the Men’s Test cricket team. Whereas, the cricket team struggled to pull a victory out even against the restricted South Africa, a women’s football team is a source of hope for the country. This puts into context the existence of different sporting events and understood the need of grooming different specialties in sports in Bangladesh.
There is confidence that the SAFF Women’s Championship triumph will go a long way in developing women’s football in Bangladesh. It is apt to increase governmental and private organizations’ investment in women’s sports. Furthermore, this success may mean a greater participation of girls in football activities at the junior level and in other lower classes.
Topic three will see the Bangladesh Football Federation keen on building on this to strengthen women’s football in the nation. Examples may extend and add youth development plans, enhance training sites, and advance the number of promotional women’s teams at multiple tiers.
The local players themselves have acted as role models for young players across the nation intending to make it in football. The success story makes a perfect table of what can be achieved provided you are willing to work hard, dedicate yourself without compromise and work as a team. Some of these players have faced terrible societal and economic hurdles in life in order to get to this standards.
The young and powerful team will celebrate the win, and there will soon be the focus on the subsequent battles. The issue now would be how the chain keeps up with this level and brings for it continued success in the global market. The resources and help given to the group in the subsequent months will be instrumental to the groups success.
SAFF Women Championship and the welcome home reception they received in Dhaka are landmark moments in the history of women’s football in Bangladesh. It is not just a victory for our athletes, it is a victory in shifting people’s mindset for women athletes. In continuation of the festivities, there remains confidence for betterment of women’s football in Bangladesh in the process of bringing commendable changes in both the field as well socially.