Celebrated triathlete Mohammad Shamsuzzaman Arafat has been denied permission by his employer Bangladesh Bank to take part in the forthcoming Ironman World Championship and Ironman 70.3 World Championship.
He was supposed to participate in four competitions, including two World Championships, and had submitted an application for leave on June 20 this year but the higher officials rejected it at the end of last month.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports had issued a government order for him to participate in four events on August 2, but despite a lot of efforts, he could not get the permission.
His latest request got rejected again last Sunday.
Bangladesh’s Ironman, a deputy director of Bangladesh Bank, expressed frustration on social media.
He posted on Facebook, “Despite qualifying directly for the Ironman World Championship and Ironman 70.3 World Championship, my office did not provide the No Objection Certificate.
“A lot of people tried, the Youth and Sports Ministry also issued a government order. I don’t know why I didn’t get the permission. Never before have I felt this helplessness and frustration.
“I’m an insignificant person, I should not have any dreams beyond my office desk. I can’t do both job and sports, despite getting government order. I can’t travel to any international event. I can’t simultaneously do my job and sports!
“I have sinned greatly by qualifying for two world championships.
“So many dreams! The journey had just begun, but it ended so soon!
“Forgive me Bangladesh! I couldn’t do it!”
Arafat earlier became the first Bangladeshi to participate in the prestigious Ironman World Championship which took place in the USA in September, 2021.
In November the following year, Arafat directly qualified for the Ironman World Championship after winning a medal for the country in the Ironman Malaysia.
Arafat is also the first and only Bangladeshi to get selected for two Ironman World Championships in Finland and France, scheduled for August 26-27 and September 10 respectively this year.
