Four National Women Athletes to Accompany Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Qatar State Visit

For the first time in Bangladesh’s history, a group of national women athletes will accompany a head of state on an official foreign visit. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is set to travel to Qatar on a four-day state visit next Monday, and four prominent Bangladeshi female athletes will be part of his delegation.

The athletes are footballers Afida Khandakar and Shaheda Akter Ripa, and cricketers Sumaiya Akter and Sharmin Sultana. The invitation for their participation came from the Qatar Foundation.

On Thursday evening at 6 PM, the four athletes met with Professor Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna, where they shared their excitement and plans for the upcoming trip.

"We are extremely happy to receive this invitation, and our teammates are equally thrilled," the athletes said. The footballers expressed their interest in engaging with the Qatari women's team and exploring the country's sports infrastructure. "We don’t often get the opportunity to play matches against teams outside South Asia. We’d like to invite the Qatar women’s team for a friendly match and learn about their sports culture and professional mindset,” they said.

The women cricketers emphasized their goal to promote cricket in Qatar, where the sport is not as popular. “We plan to present the journey of Bangladesh’s men's and women's cricket teams, and we’re preparing a presentation to share during the visit,” they said.

During the meeting, the athletes also shared their personal stories of struggle and perseverance with Professor Yunus. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude for being included in the official delegation.

Professor Yunus responded with encouragement and support, saying, “I want you to share your true stories with them. You are the sports ambassadors of our nation, and you will represent Bangladesh’s sporting spirit on this visit. I’m equally delighted to have you as part of the delegation.”

He assured that his office would provide full support to ensure the success of the women athletes' participation in the state visit.

The Chief Adviser is scheduled to attend the Earthna Summit in Qatar as part of his official four-day visit beginning Monday.