The Qatar Foundation has committed to supporting the development of sports infrastructure for women athletes in Bangladesh, aiming to enhance their capabilities and promote sustainable sports careers.
The announcement was made by Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, CEO of the Qatar Foundation, during a meeting with Bangladesh's Chief Adviser, Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, on the sidelines of the Earthna Summit in Doha. The meeting was also attended by four Bangladeshi national athletes—two from cricket and two from football—who shared the challenges they’ve faced, including the lack of basic facilities such as dormitories, gyms, and training grounds for female athletes in the country.
Sheikha Hind, herself a former national-level athlete and sister to the Emir of Qatar, was visibly moved by the athletes’ personal stories and praised their determination. In response, she pledged the Foundation’s support to establish a dedicated foundation in Bangladesh that will build and manage modern facilities for women in sports.
Professor Yunus confirmed plans to launch the new foundation soon and requested Qatar Foundation’s full backing in setting up training fields, healthcare facilities, dormitories, and accommodations for international guests. He also proposed the creation of special short-term training programs for young female athletes from SAARC, BIMSTEC, ASEAN, and Middle Eastern countries, particularly from rural Bangladesh.
In a forward-looking move, Prof Yunus also introduced the concept of a social business fund to support retired athletes in launching entrepreneurial ventures—a proposal welcomed by Sheikha Hind.
Earlier, Prof Yunus met with Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation and mother of the Emir. Their discussions focused on broadening bilateral cooperation, and Sheikha Moza expressed interest in visiting Bangladesh in the near future.
