For a country steeped in social deprivation and neglect when it comes to sports for women, launching something even close to a women’s football association must have seemed next to impossible. Though there had been one attempt in Bangladesh, but it succumbed to pressure from fundamentalist groups. The struggle however finally saw light recently, with the endeavours of top women footballers in the country like Quamran Nahar Dana and Lily Aziz. Led by the duo’s efforts, the Bangladesh Women’s Football Association (BWFA) was formed in 2003. And to top it off, The Indian Express today learnt from Dana that Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has vowed support to the four-year-old body on the financial front. Since its inception, the BWFA has kickstarted separate under-19 and under-17 teams. The 15-member U-19 team, which is presently in the city for the ongoing Indo-Bangla Games, has half its players from the Muslim community, while the rest of the contingent is from the pocket communities like the Chakmas. Throwing light on the women’s football scenario in Bangladesh these days, Dana said: “Initially, it was really tough for us to convince Muslim girls and get them involved in the sport of football. Amidst that, we used to constantly face threats from a fundamentalist group, asking us to stop. The situation has changed a lot now. When we started, we saw good responses from six districts. “Today, it’s gone up to 10. We have participated in two editions of Asian Football Confederation conducted international U-17 championships. What we need however is the support on the financial front for infrastructure and organisation.” And in a bid to push their new projects, the BWFA has consulted Yunus. Dana explained: “I have already had an informal discussion with Mr Yunus regarding the development of women’s football in Bangladesh. He has promised to organise the necessary financial support. “We are optimistic that his patronage for the sport in the country will take us far. He was the man who brought Zinedine Zidane to this country. He is also organising a trip to France for the junior boys’ team, slated to be announced soon.” The BWFA is looking to start a national soccer tournament in Bangladesh this year, featuring ten U-19 district teams. For this effort, too, the association is looking towards Yunus for support.
