News Flash
DHAKA, July 19, 2025 (BSS) - Selim Hossain, one of Bangladesh's most promising boxers, has been representing the national boxing team since 2010 and has won numerous medals, including gold, in national competitions.
A proud member of the Bangladesh Army, Selim has also represented the country in several international tournaments, bringing honor and recognition to the nation.
Born in 1992 into a middle-class family in Rajshahi, the 33-year-old boxer developed a passion for sports from an early age. Despite facing opposition from his family, he pursued boxing, inspired by his uncle.
Selim, hailed from Rahshahi, who was named the Best Sportsman of the Year by the Bangladesh Sports Press Association in 2023, believes that boxing in Bangladesh has strong potential-both nationally and internationally if the sport receives proper patronage. He also hoped that boxers will one day receive the same level of respect as cricketers and footballers in the country.
In an exclusive interview with BSS, Selim said: "Bangladesh has many talented boxers with great potential. What they need is proper guidance, facilities, and logistics support. If we nurture them well, they can bring international glory to the country."
Q: How did you get a chance in the national boxing team?
SELIM: I started boxing at an early age and got a job with the Bangladesh Army in 2010 because of my performance. I trained regularly and improved myself day by day. In our local area, I used to join boxing camps with senior brothers from the Army, and that really developed my skills. Later, I won a gold medal in the Bangladesh Games. Based on my performance, the federation selected me for the national team.
Q: Can you tell us about your international achievements?
SELIM: In Bangladesh, athletes usually get noticed after producing results, but reaching that level takes time. When I performed well nationally, the Army gave me a chance to compete internationally. I participated in the World Military Championship 2021 in Russia, where I lost to a Brazilian opponent despite a good fight. Then I went to the 2022 Commonwealth Games in England, where I narrowly lost to an Indian rival.
In 2023, I competed in the 19th Asian Games in China. I reached the quarterfinals of the men's 57kg category and lost to Japan's Shudai Harada. It was a close match; if I had won, I would have secured at least a bronze medal-ending a 37-year individual medal drought for Bangladesh in the Asian Games. I was also offered a wild card entry to the Olympics, but I couldn't participate because I was abroad on a UN mission.
Q: Can you share your successes in national competitions?
SELIM: I won gold in the 9th Bangladesh Games in 2021 and in the 37th senior Boxing Championship in 2022. Unfortunately, the federation hasn't organized any national competitions since then.
Q: Why did you choose to become a boxer?
SELIM: Coming from a middle-class family, I had responsibilities. Cricket and football are expensive and time-consuming sports. My goal was to represent the country in boxing and earn recognition as an athlete, which would help me secure a government job. That's why I chose boxing.
Q: What is your dream?
SELIM: I have many dreams, but to fulfill them, I need support. We have a good chance to win a medal in the upcoming South Asian Games, especially as India might not participate. If a few preparatory tournaments are held and we get a 3-4 month training camp abroad, I believe we can achieve something great in the SA Games.
