In Shillong, India, about 90% of the people love football. They regularly keep up with football news. Now, those eyes are searching for Bangladeshi footballer Hamza Choudhury, who plays in the English Premier League. For the people of Shillong, Hamza’s first identity is “the Bangladeshi footballer with curly hair.” Someone said, “I know that one footballer with massive hair.”
The Indian Premier League (IPL) started yesterday. However, in the football-loving city of Shillong, all the attention is on Hamza and Sunil Chhetri. Currently, the Bangladesh national team is in Shillong to play the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. The team will face India on March 25. The presence of Hamza Choudhury in the squad is seen as a boost for Bangladesh, and the locals are showing great interest in him. Many people have visited the team hotel to take pictures with Hamza and have sent their best wishes to the Bangladesh team.
Outside the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, a footballer said, “A new player has joined the Bangladesh team. He plays in the English Premier League.” In his words, “I don’t know much about Bangladeshi football, but I do know that your team has a curly-haired footballer who plays in the Premier League, the Leicester City player.”
It goes without saying that just as Hamza Choudhury is the center of discussion in Bangladesh, he is also a hot topic in Indian football.
Earlier, in Police Bazar, Shillong, a local football fan was asked about Bangladeshi footballers. He recognized Hamza right away. When asked about Bangladeshi football, he said, “Honestly, I can’t name anyone correctly. But I’ve heard that a footballer with curly hair has joined your team from the English Premier League. I’ll watch the match, and then I’ll get a better look at his game.”
Hamza Choudhury has not yet played a match wearing the Bangladesh jersey. Yet, he has already become synonymous with Bangladeshi football. Both at home and abroad, he is at the center of attention. Everyone is eagerly waiting to witness the magic of Hamza in Bangladesh’s colors.
