This initiative has been taken to honor the women footballers and associated persons coming to Tangail from different parts of the country to play, and to introduce them to Tangail's heritage and culture.
Already, about 110 players, coaching staff, and team management members from five teams that have been eliminated from the competition have been given this gift.
On Friday (14 August), Rangpur district team reached the final by defeating Magura district women's football team 4-0 in the first semifinal. Today, Saturday, in the second semifinal, Rangamati district team will face hosts Tangail. The team that is eliminated from this match, its players and associated persons will also be presented Tangail handloom sarees on behalf of the deputy minister.
Women footballers and team management members from various districts expressed excitement after receiving this unique gift. They see receiving the traditional Tangail handloom sarees alongside sports as a joyful and memorable experience.
Regarding this, Deputy Minister Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said, 'Those who are coming to play in Tangail and those associated with the players—everyone is our guest. It is our duty to entertain and honor them. From that thought, we have taken the initiative to gift Tangail's traditional handloom sarees.'
He said, 'Through this, along with spreading Tangail's heritage and culture to different parts of the country, I want to further encourage students in sports. If the younger generation becomes field-oriented, they will stay away from drugs and various negative activities. It is our expectation that they will develop their talents through sports and bring glory for the country in the future.'
With the assistance of the Japan Football Association (JFA), the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) organizes this U-14 Women's Youth Development Program every year. Finding talented teenage female footballers from the grassroots level and creating opportunities for their development is one of the main objectives of this event.
In this final round, 8 teams have been divided into two groups. Group 'A' includes Tangail, Rangpur, Jhenaidah and Chapainawabganj, and Group 'B' includes Gaibandha, Rangamati, Magura and Rajbari.
On 7 August, Deputy Minister Sultan Salahuddin Tuku inaugurated the competition at Tangail Shaheed Maruf Stadium. At that time, he thanked BFF for selecting Tangail as the venue for the final round.
The final will be held at the same venue next Monday (17 August). Enthusiasm and excitement are prevailing among sports lovers across Tangail centering on the final.
