Sabina given hero's welcome at her hometown

SATKHIRA, Sept 23 (UNB): Skipper Sabina Khatun, who led the Bangladesh national women's soccer team to its maiden SAFF Women's Football Championship triumph, was given a hero's welcome on return to her hometown of Satkhira on Friday.

Sabina was received by the Satkhira District Sport Association office-bearers around 10.30am at the Circuit House, where hundreds of people were already waiting to get a glimpse of her.

Thousands of people flooded the streets as she later toured Satkhira town in an open mini-truck decorated with flags, banners and flowers. Subsequently, she went to her house in the town's Sabujbagh area.

Overjoyed by the grand reception, Sabina told reporters that she was overwhelmed.

"I have been struggling in the field for the past 12 years and now I feel that I have achieved my goal. After winning the hearts of the 160 million people of Bangladesh, I don't want to stop," she said.

Sabina said that she had urged the district authorities to build a stadium in Satkhira, where all modern amenities will be available for women players.

Mir Tajul Islam Ripon, joint general secretary of the Satkhira District Sports Association, said that preparations are now under way for giving another grand reception to both Sabina and Masura Parveen, another player of the winning team.

Another report from Thakurgaon adds: A grand reception awaits Bangladesh footballers Sohagi Kisku and Swapna Rani Roy in their native Ranisankail upazila of Thakurgaon.

By defeating four-time finalists and hosts Nepal, the Bangladesh national women's football team has emerged as the new champions in the seven-nation SAFF Women's Championship.

Players of the winning team, Sohagi is the daughter of Gulzar Kisku of Bongaon Sialdangi village while Swapna is the daughter of Niren Chandra Roy of Rangatungi village in the upazila.

Both began their football journeys from the fields of Rangatungi village, being members of the Rangatungi United Women's Football Academy.

The entire district has worn a festive mood since Monday night. Residents have been distributing sweets to celebrate the win and the contributions of the two local girls.

The district administration has decided to honour the two players with a grand reception.

Sohel Sultan Julkar Nine, Ranisankail upazila nirbahi officer, said that "Swapna and Sohagi are the pride of the district and they will be given a reception on October 5 as they return home on vacation from Dhaka".

"Despite hailing from poor families, both the women players have managed to overcome every obstacle to cement their place in the national team. They have made the entire country proud, "said Tajul Islam, retired principal of Rangatungi United Women's Football Academy.

However, both their families are economically backward and need financial help, he said.