Hamza Chowdhury named BSPA Sportsman of the Year, wins two more awards

Footballer Hamza Chowdhury stole the spotlight at the grand ceremony of the 'Cool-BSPA Sports Award 2025', organised by the Bangladesh Sports Press Association, winning three prestigious awards including the Best Athlete of the Year.

Hamza, the poster boy of the Bangladesh national football team, beat footballer Rituparna Chakma and hockey star Amirul Islam to claim the highest honour. He also won the Best Footballer of the Year award and the Popular Choice award voted by fans.

As Hamza is currently in England, BFF President Tabith Awal received the Best Athlete award on his behalf. The footballer was connected via video call to express his gratitude. Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque attended as the chief guest.

In a video message after receiving the award, Hamza said, "I feel very proud to receive this award. The Cool-BSPA Award is a prestigious award in the country. I thank my family, coaches, teammates, friends and fans for supporting me and the national team throughout the year."

The ceremony was held at the ballroom of Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital on Friday, May 22.

List of winners at a glance:

Best Athlete of the Year: Hamza Chowdhury (Champion), Rituparna Chakma (Runner-up), Amirul Islam (Runner-up)

Popular Choice Award: Hamza Chowdhury

Best Cricketer of the Year: Rishad Hossain

Best Footballer of the Year: Hamza Chowdhury and Rituparna Chakma

Best Hockey Player of the Year: Amirul Islam

Best Archer of the Year: Abdur Rahman Alif

Best Table Tennis Player of the Year: Khoi Khoi Sai Marma

Best Badminton Player of the Year: Al Amin Jumar

Emerging Athlete: Ripon Mondol (Cricket)

Best Coach of the Year: Peter Butler (Women's Football)

Best Umpire of the Year: Selim Laki (Hockey)

Best Organiser: Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapol (Archery)

Grassroots Sports Personality: Alamgir Kabir (Cricket Coach)

Special Recognition: Shahnaz Parvin Maleka (Kabaddi Coach)

Best Patron: Prime Bank PLC

Active Federation: Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation