Desk Report,
We cannot let these indomitable girls disappear.
Neglected girls have accomplished a difficult task. It still seems unbelievable to many. Our tigers have brought an impossible achievement down to the ground of reality. They took women’s football to the Asian level by winning the SAFF stage. These indomitable tigers can also return by playing in the World Cup.
We cannot let these indomitable girls disappear.
Now it can be said that our girls are knocking on the world stage of women’s football. They have taken football to new heights. Not only football, but this success of the girls can be a new direction for our women’s awakening. These girls are examples for girls all over the country. Our women’s football team is the beacon of a new day for women’s rights and women’s empowerment.
Behind this success of girls in football, there is a long history of struggle. Success did not come easily. This achievement of the girls today is the result of a difficult struggle, overcoming various obstacles. We all know the history of the Chakmas from the remote villages of Thakurgaon to Kohati Kishk, Maria Manda of Kalsindur, Shamsunnahar, Tahura Khatun, Sanjida Akhtar or Rituparna from the remote village of Magchhari in Rangamati to reach this stage today. There were social restrictions on this path. There were financial tensions, uncertainties. There is no crisis in life that has not come before them. But by bravely pushing back those obstacles like the Himalayas, they have elevated themselves to the Asian level today.
The state has been able to give very little compared to their achievements. In other words, they are playing for the country for a pittance. It is as if the food-for-play program is running on the model of the food-for-work program. The meager salary that is given is also irregular. When asked after any success, the girls say, ‘What do you want?’ The girls reply, ‘I want a regular salary. And it will be better if the salary is increased.’ It will be difficult to accept this in 2025.
There is no regular league for girls in the country. There are no other tournaments regularly. To play regularly, our girls have to go to the Bhutan League. Only by training in residential camps and playing some preparatory matches, the girls have to enter international competitive games. In all those games, they are losing to the teams that play regular leagues by a few points. It is simply unbelievable how much talent can be achieved at this level without getting the minimum advantage. In India and Nepal, there are regular girls’ games and leagues. And we are losing to them regularly now. Now we have started losing to teams outside the SAFF as well.
There is no doubt about the effort and courage of these girls. They come out to play with a very positive mindset. They play fearless football. Most importantly, they can adapt quickly to any type of tactics of the game. Earlier, our girls used to play somewhat defensive football. They used to handle the defense and go on the counter-attack. This time, in the Asian Cup qualifiers, the girls have changed the entire style of the game.
Our girls played high pressing football this time. This team plays faster football than before. They can keep the ball at their feet. Their ball distribution has improved a lot from before. Their passing is also good. Their positional sense is excellent. Especially if they lose the ball, they can quickly take their position.
The high line defense has been excellent throughout the tournament in the Asian Cup qualifiers. And the way Shamsunnahar Junior coolly beat the goalkeeper one-on-one with Bahrain by gaining momentum, breaking out of the defense, and beating the goalkeeper in a one-on-one, even our men’s team strikers or wingers cannot do that. We should not expect more from a team that is not in regular play. But they have exceeded our expectations. They can understand the situation and create the game on the field.
The girls must keep up this fight. They must be ensured the necessary facilities. Players like Sirat Jahan Swapna or Ankhi Khatun cannot be allowed to disappear from football due to financial uncertainty. Competitive leagues for girls must be organized regularly. In addition, leagues should be organized at the district and divisional levels.
