Bangladesh's triumphant roller skating contingent returned home on Wednesday, greeted with cheers, flowers, and pride. The 10-member team, led by double gold medallist Nabiun Islam and double silver winner Atahar Shihab, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after making history at the Belt and Road China-ASEAN Speed Roller Skating City Invitational Tournament held in Karamay, Xinjiang, China.
At the airport, the skaters were accorded a warm floral reception by Dr Kamruzzaman Kaiser, President of the Bangladesh Roller Skating Federation, along with other executive committee officials.
The celebration was more than ceremonial; it was a heartfelt tribute to a moment that has rewritten Bangladesh's sporting chronicles.
In the tournament, which featured over 300 skaters from 17 Asian nations, young prodigy Nabiun Islam struck gold twice, first in the 500-metre speed race, then again in the 1,000-metre sprint.
His compatriot Atahar Shihab showcased his own flair and determination by claiming two silver medals, ensuring Bangladesh's name glistened brightly among Asia's skating elite.
This double triumph marks the nation's greatest achievement in 30 years of international roller skating, an epoch-making moment that may well inspire a new generation to lace up their skates and chase dreams on wheels.
The team, which departed for China on 8 October, also included Akif Hamid, Munzir Afnan Biswas, Zarif Ahmed Sarkar, Falisha Ruzbeh, Afraz Bin Arif, and Nabiun Islam himself. Ashraful Alam Masum served as coach, while Md Lutfor Rahman, General Secretary of the Federation, accompanied the squad as team official.
