In a glittering ceremony on a red carpet, Satkhira’s SAFF-winning football stars—team captain Sabina Khatun, and defenders Masura Parveen and Afida Khandaker Pranti—were celebrated with a public reception.
The event, jointly organized by the District Administration and District Sports Association, took place at the Satkhira Shilpakala Academy at 10am on Thursday.
Presided over by Deputy Commissioner Mostak Ahmed, the program featured speeches from the honored athletes and other dignitaries.
Captain Sabina Khatun, accompanied by her teammates Masura and Afida, expressed gratitude for the warm reception.
“Satkhira is home to over 100 talented athletes excelling nationally and internationally across cricket, football, handball, volleyball, and athletics. However, a lack of facilities like fields, stadiums, and hostels poses challenges for nurturing future talent,” Sabina said.
She called for investment in infrastructure and training to ensure the district continues producing athletes of global caliber.
Defender Masura Parveen said: “The support we receive after achieving success motivates us to aim even higher. Today’s reception fills me with pride and will inspire future generations of players.”
Afida Khandaker Pranti added: “Every time we achieve something, the people of Satkhira honor us with such celebrations. It’s a source of great pride and encouragement.” She sought everyone’s blessings to continue their streak of excellence.
Satkhira Deputy Commissioner Mostak Ahmed highlighted the district’s reputation as a cradle of athletic talent, citing cricket stars Soumya Sarkar and Mustafizur Rahman alongside the footballers.
He acknowledged the existing challenges in sports infrastructure and promised to address them to further elevate Satkhira’s stature in the sports arena.
The reception featured speeches from notable figures, including Satkhira Superintendent of Police Mohammad Monirul Islam, additional Deputy Commissioner Vishnupada Pal, former FIFA referee Tayeb Hasan Babu, and others.
Afida’s father, Khondaker Arif Hasan, also shared his pride in his daughter’s accomplishments.
The program concluded with a cultural performance, leaving the audience inspired and entertained.
This celebration not only honored the champions but also shone a spotlight on the potential of Satkhira’s aspiring athletes.
