On December 17, 2015, the Bangladesh Legal Aid & Services Trust (BLAST), along with the Shokhi consortium, organised the final match and prize distribution ceremony for the SHOKHI Women’s Football Tournament 2015. Duronto Mohakhali, consisting of players from Korail won the final match.
Adv ZI Khan Panna, member in the board of trustees of BLAST and chairman of the Legal Aid Committee, Bangladesh Bar Council was present at the ceremony as chief guest. Tahmina Rahman, country director of ARTICLE 19 was present as a special guest. Sara Hossain, honorary executive director of BLAST and Advocate, Supreme Court chaired the event. Dr Sharifa Begum, chief executive of BWHC, Kamrun Nahar, member of Naripokkho, Dr. Shah Halimur Rashid, manager of Marie Stopes Bangladesh were present as well
The football tournament was to commemorate Victory Day, and saw the participation of over 70 girls and young women from 15 communities in Dhaka including, Sattala, Kunipara, Begunbari, Tejgaon, Nakhalpara, Korail, Beguntila, Bauniabadh, Bhashantek, Dhaka Uddan, Nobodoy Housing, Probhati Housing, Buddhijibi Shriti Shoudh, Rayerbazar, Beribadh.
Adv ZI Khan Panna, congratulated the young women who participated in the tournament by saying, “I hope that one day you will represent Bangladesh and win over the world.”
Dr Sharifa Begum said, “It was exhilarating and inspiring to watch the young football players. In addition to congratulating the players, I would like to commend the organisers for creating this platform for young women and girls from disadvantaged communities.”
Ratri, captain of Duronto Mohakhali in celebrating her team’s victory said, “We worked very hard to win this match and the tournament. BLAST and Shokhi project gave us a lot of support. It is a great feeling and we will play again and win again.”
A total of six teams played in the tournament over the course of one week that culminated in a final match between Duronto Mohakhali and Aniruddho Mohakhali, representing Korail and Nakhalpara, respectively. The match and prize distribution ceremony took place from 3pm to 5pm at Lalmatia Housing Society High School Field.
