Shawdesh desk:

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday underlined the need for arranging more competitions and trainings to gain success in the international sports platforms, urging the players to play with the attitude of victory.

‘We have to arrange more competitions alongside proper trainings to achieve success in the international sports stages. The more sports competitions will be arranged, the more our players will attain excellence,’ she said.

The prime minister was addressing a programme at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka to accord reception and distribute monetary reward to Bangladesh National Women Football Team for clinching maiden SAFF Women Championship-22 title defeating Nepal by 3-1 goals.

Twenty three players of the Bangladesh National Women Football Team have received cheque of Tk five lakh each and 11 trainers and officers got cheque of Tk two lakh each.

The players later handed over the trophy to the prime minister.

Sheikh Hasina also talked to the players and inquired about them.

The PM asked the parents to give their children time for playing outside to ensure their sound mental and physical health.

She also asked all particularly the youths to engage themselves in sports, culture and literary works in helping them be worthy citizens of the country.

The prime minister unveiled a book on slain Awami League leader Ahsanullah Master titled ‘Ahsanullah Master Jibonalkhyo’ on his birthday on Wednesday as well. The book was dedicated to prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

State minister for youth and sports Md Zahid Ahsan Russel and president of Bangladesh Football Federation Kazi Md Salahuddin spoke at the function.

Youth and sports affairs secretary Md Mesbah Uddin gave the address of welcome while Bangladesh National Women Football Team skipper Sabina Khatun expressed her feelings.

A video-documentary on SAFF Women Championship-2022 was screened at the function.