Four national female athletes met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. Photo: CA Facebook

DHAKA, April 17, 2025 (BSS) - Four national female athletes of Bangladesh will accompany Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus during his upcoming visit to Qatar.
 
Those who are accompanying the Chief Adviser are: footballers Afida Khandaker and Shaheda Akhter Ripa and cricketers Sumaiya Akhter and Sharmin Sultana.

This is the first time that a group of female athletes is going to accompany the head of government on a state visit.

The players, who will accompany the Chief Adviser, called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna here this evening. 

Qatar Foundation has invited these female athletes to accompany Chief Adviser Prof Yunus to Qatar.

During the meeting, the four athletes expressed their enthusiasm at receiving the invitation to accompany the Chief Adviser on a state visit.

They said they are very happy to receive the invitation for this tour and their teammates are also excited about their invitation.

The women footballers said they do not get enough opportunities to play matches with other teams in Asia outside the South Asia.

"We want to invite the Qatar women's team to play a friendly match with us. During this tour, we want to visit their sports facilities. We want to know their professional thoughts," they said.

Cricket is not so popular in Qatar, the women cricketers said, adding that they will try to create interest in cricket among the Qatar people during this tour. 

"We will highlight the stories of our men's and women's cricket teams. We will prepare a presentation and carry it (to Qatar)," they told Prof Yunus.

The four female athletes informed the Chief Adviser of their life struggles at the meeting and thanked the Chief Adviser for giving them the opportunity to go on a state visit with him.

After listening to their life experiences and plans for the Qatar tour, Prof Yunus expressed great encouragement and support.

"I want you present the true tales of your life to them. You are the sports ambassadors of this country. You will represent the sports of our country there. I am also very happy to take you with me on this state visit," Prof Yunus told the female athletes.

The Chief Adviser also assured that his office will provide all-out cooperation for making the visit of the female athletes a success.

Prof Yunus is going to Qatar on a four-day visit on Monday next to attend the "Athena Conference".