Restoring our football's past glory

The love and passion for football is witnessed intensely in Bangladesh after every four years during the FIFA World Cup. How can we forget that there was a glorious past of football in the country? Those who once saw the best of Bangladesh football in 1970s and 80s can only recall how popular the game was then across the country. In the past, hundreds of football fans used to travel to Dhaka from other districts to watch their team play. The game is still played here but it cannot draw spectators due to lack of quality footballers. Youngsters nowadays watch European football leagues on television. If properly nourished, football can regain its lost glory. And for this, there is no other alternatives than investing in the game so that it can have a strong structure for making new talented players.

The authorities concerned should expand funding for football and make arrangement for setting up at least one playground for football in every district. We should revitalise the sport and offer support and assistance to both male and female footballers across the country. The talent, vigour, and potential of these players should not go in vain, and they must be allowed to pursue their passion as a career.

Shahjahan Sirazi,

Malibagh, Dhaka,

mshaju001@gmail.com