4 sportswomen to accompany chief adviser to Qatar

Four national-level sportswomen are set to accompany chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on his upcoming visit to Qatar.

They are footballers Afida Khandaker and Shaheda Akhtar Ripa, cricketers Sumaiya Akhtar and Sharmin Sultana.

This is the first time that any sportsperson is going to accompany a head of government on a state visit.

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is set to visit Qatar on a four-day visit on Monday (April 21) to attend the Arthana Conference. The Qatar Foundation has invited the female athletes to accompany him.

The four women who will accompany the chief adviser met with him at the State Guest House Jamuna on Thursday (April 17) evening.

They said: "We and our teammates are very happy."

The female footballers said: "We don't get many opportunities to play matches with other Asian teams outside of South Asia. We want to invite the Qatar women's team to play a friendly match with us. During this visit, we want to visit their sports facilities. We want to know their professional thoughts."

The female cricketers told the Chief Adviser: "Cricket is not that popular in Qatar. We will try to create interest in cricket among them during this visit. We will tell the stories of our men's and women's cricket teams. We will prepare a presentation."

During the meeting, the four sportswomen also told the Chief Adviser about their life struggles.

After hearing their life experiences and plans for the Qatar tour, Chief Adviser Professor Yunus also expressed great encouragement and support. He said: "I want you to tell them the true stories of your life. You are the sports ambassadors of this country. You will represent the sports of this country there."

Professor Muhammad Yunus also assured that the office of the Chief Adviser will provide maximum cooperation to make the visit of the female athletes a success.