In the upcoming visit to Qatar, Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Professor Muhammad Yunus, will be accompanied by four national-level female athletes. They are footballers Afida Khandaker and Shaheda Akter Ripa, and cricketers Sumaiya Akter and Sharmin Sultana. This marks the first time a group of female athletes will accompany a head of state or government on an official state visit.
On Thursday evening at 6 PM, the four athletes met the Chief Advisor at the State Guest House Jamuna. The invitation for these athletes to join the Qatar trip alongside the Chief Advisor came from the Qatar Foundation, according to BSS reports.
The four female athletes expressed their excitement upon receiving the invitation to join the state visit. They said, “We are thrilled to be invited on this trip, and our teammates are also very excited for us.” The women footballers added, “We rarely get the chance to play matches outside of South Asia, especially against other Asian teams. We would like to invite the Qatar women’s team for a friendly match. During this trip, we hope to explore their sports facilities, learn about their professional approach, and exchange experiences.”
Professor Yunus showed great enthusiasm and support after hearing about their plans and expectations for the Qatar trip. He said, “I want you to share your real-life stories with them. You are the sports ambassadors of this country. You will represent Bangladesh’s sports on this international stage. I am also very pleased to take you along on this state visit.”
He assured that the Chief Advisor’s office would extend its full support to ensure the success of this trip for the female athletes.
Professor Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to depart for Qatar on Monday for a four-day visit to attend an economic conference.
