Bangladesh U-20 youth football captain Mithu Chowdhury has expressed the team’s desire to meet Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and hand over the SAFF U-20 Championship trophy on behalf of the nation.
Speaking at a reception ceremony held at the National Sports Council auditorium on Monday, Mithu said, “This is the first football success since the formation of the new government. After winning the trophy, my teammates wanted to personally present it to the Prime Minister. I appeal to the State Minister for Sports to take the necessary steps in this regard.”
Earlier in the day, people from various sports communities participated in a rally marking National and International Sports Day, followed by a discussion meeting at the National Sports Council. The SAFF U-20 champion team was formally received by State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque. Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) president Tabith Awal, sports organizers, and ministry officials were also present.
During the ceremony, each player received a cheque of Taka one lakh along with a sports allowance card, while the coaching staff also received similar recognition. Mithu expressed gratitude to the BFF president, saying, “The federation has provided excellent support. We were already rewarded by the BFF development committee and the Dhaka North City Corporation, but my teammates and I hope for further recognition.”
Reflecting on their journey, Mithu added, “This was a campaign of great hardship and sacrifice. We went to the Maldives on Eid-ul-Fitr, away from our families, promising to return with the trophy. Today, we have succeeded and celebrated victory like Eid itself.”
State Minister Aminul Haque assured Mithu, “Captain Mithu wants to hand the trophy to the Prime Minister. Inshallah, I have already discussed it with the BFF president, and we will meet the Prime Minister soon to present the SAFF trophy.”
Mithu Chowdhury led Bangladesh to a historic triumph in the SAFF U-20 Championship 2026, defeating India 4-3 on penalties in the final held in the Maldives.