Four female athletes from Bangladesh will be accompanying Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to his scheduled to visit Qatar on a four-day trip starting next Monday to attend an economic forum.
The athletes are footballers Afida Khandakar, Shaheda Akhter Ripa and cricketers Sumaiya Akhter and Sharmin Sultana.
The information was confirmed by Chief Advisor’s press wing.
On Thursday, these four athletes, who are set to join the Chief Adviser on the visit, met with him at State Guest House Jamuna.
The invitation for the athletes to join the state visit to Qatar came from the Qatar Foundation.
This marks the first time a group of female athletes will accompany a head of government on a state visit.
The athletes expressed their excitement and honour at receiving the invitation.
They shared that they are thrilled by the opportunity. They hope to explore the sports facilities in Qatar and gain insights into professional sports practices there.
One of the footballers mentioned that they rarely get the opportunity to play matches outside South Asia and expressed her intention to invite the Qatari women's team for a friendly match.
The two cricketers told the Chief Adviser, "Cricket isn’t very popular in Qatar. During the visit, we’ll try to generate interest in the sport there. We’re preparing a presentation highlighting the achievements of both our men’s and women’s cricket teams."
During the meeting, the athletes shared stories of their personal struggles with the Chief Adviser and thanked him sincerely for giving them the opportunity to be part of a state visit.
In response, the Chief Adviser said, “I want you to share your life stories with them. You are the sports ambassadors of this country. I’m equally delighted to have you join this state visit.”
SH
