SAFF champs return to hero's welcome

Rousing pageantry resounded all the way as Bangladesh's maiden champions of the SAFF soccer returned to a hero's welcome Wednesday, after veritably scaling the Everest in Nepal.
People from all walks of life welcomed the soccer tigresses at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) and on the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) premises.
The female footballers were also greeted by city-dwellers during their journey on an open-roof double-decker bus from the airport to the BFF in Motijheel.
In response to their reception, the players were waiving to the football fans, buoyed by such an all-win triumph in a regional tournament--after many moons in the nation's drought-hit football arena.
The victors joined a brief press conference at the HSIA after they flew in around 2.00pm, when skipper Sabina Khatun dedicated the trophy to the country's people.
"We are grateful for receiving us in grandeur. We express our felicitation to the minister, federation and everyone who came here to receive us," she says.
"We are proud that you love Bangladesh's girls, their football."
Sabina was the top scorer of the tournament with eight goals too. State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Zahid Ahsan Russel received the tigresses at the airport with flower garlands.
There was immense crowd of people at the airport to warmly welcome the winning team showing national flag and banners and enchanting slogans.
To enhance the celebrations, Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) arranged an open-roof bus for the winning team's travel from the airport to the BFF premise.
The double-decker, decorated with the player's flowers and festoons, carried the players through the streets of Dhaka before reaching the Bangladesh Football Federation House in Motijheel, where BFF president Kazi Salahuddin accorded the team a reception.
The victory rally started from the airport and proceeded to Motijheel BFF premises crossing Prime Minister's Office, Bijoy Sarani, Kakrail, Tejgaon. As the bus drove through the city streets, there was traffic congestion at several points.
However, football fans didn't seem to be bothered with the traffic as they said there was a noble reason.
Bangladesh women's team beat Nepal 3-1 on Monday to clinch the title for the first time.
To recognise the players' achievement, several organisations have declared to award the players with token money including Tk 5 million from Envoy Group. Besides, Bangladesh Cricket Board also declared the same amount for the winning team.

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