Bangladesh Women's Football Team: Best in South Asia despite facing discrimination

In the nail-biting finale of the 7th Women’s Championship, the Bangladesh women’s football team defeated host Nepal 2-1, reinforcing their dominance in South Asian women's football and marking a new chapter. This victory added another jewel to the crown of Bangladesh's women’s football, fulfilling their promise to the nation. Amidst shifting political landscapes, this triumph brings a fresh dawn for football. The international title, clinched under the new football federation, is a positive beginning for the team. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to every player, coach, supporting staff, and the team management; their collective effort has made us all proud.

In 2022, at the Dasarath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu, Bangladesh secured their first SAFF Championship title, beating Nepal 3-1. In 2024, they again claimed victory over Nepal with a 2-1 scoreline in the final, marking their second SAFF Championship win. What the men's national team couldn’t achieve, the often overlooked, neglected, and discriminated-against women's team has now accomplished, challenging the nation's perception of football. The light for Bangladesh's football lies within a shift in outlook and mentality, keeping alive the dreams of women’s football.

For Bangladesh, goals in the final came from Monika Chakma and Rituporna Chakma, while Tamisha scored for Nepal. The first half remained goalless, and during halftime, a team management official remarked, “Even with the crowd’s intense excitement, the players have stayed focused, handling the pressure and aiming to keep up their pace for 90 minutes. We hope they will leave the field smiling.” Indeed, our women footballers honored those expectations.

Nepal has reached the finals six out of seven times in SAFF Women’s Championship history but has yet to claim a title. India holds the record with five championships. Bangladesh first reached the final in 2016 as runners-up, then became champions in 2022 and again in 2024, emerging as a strong competitor to India. Rituporna Chakma won both the Player of the Final and Player of the Tournament awards in the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship, following captain Sabina Khatun’s top-player recognition in 2022.
While the nation was aware that Bangladesh would compete in the SAFF Women’s Championship, no one stepped forward to broadcast the tournament live from Nepal, depriving citizens of the chance to watch the matches together. Such support could have strengthened the players' understanding that their country stood behind them with enthusiasm and unity. Instead, we’ve often seen broadcasts of trivial matters in a race for “favoritism.” Now, the competition has shifted to social media and congratulatory advertisements.

Bangladesh’s supremacy in South Asian women’s football has once again been proven. The intense struggle on the Kathmandu field represented a collective prize for their football spirit. The women’s team fought tirelessly for 90 minutes, showcasing remarkable teamwork and understanding. Nepalese media acknowledged that Bangladesh rightfully earned the championship, playing a bold and high-quality "brand of football" with superior stamina and technique, maintaining their fighting spirit from start to finish.

While many have their opinions and engage in debates, one undeniable fact is that previous BFF governing bodies and the Women’s Football Wing have supported these players year-round through training camps, fostering unity among the players. Such consistent practice has helped them understand each other’s strengths and potential. This collective support from the BFF has culminated in the SAFF Championship, where they defeated powerhouses like India and Nepal. India aside, Bangladesh once struggled to compete with Nepal, but now the tables have turned. This progress is monumental and speaks to the efforts behind the scenes, contributions that cannot simply be ignored.

The journey in this SAFF tournament has not been without controversy, with discussions about senior-junior dynamics, the roles of foreign and former coaches, and media involvement. Yet, thankfully, none of this unrest influenced their on-field performance, allowing them to meet our expectations. Once more, we lift our hats to these women footballers who, despite staying far from family for years and facing numerous adversities, have consistently shown resilience and pride, bringing honor to our nation.

Ikramuzzaman: Columnist and analyst. Former Senior Vice-President of AIPS Asia, life member of Bangladesh Sports Press Association, and panel writer for Football Asia.