Every award is a matter of pride and respect: Rituparna
Sports Reporter :
Rituparna Chakma, a girl from Rangamati and the legend of Bangladesh women’s football, received the ‘Begum Rokeya Padak’ on Tuesday. She was selected for the award in the ‘Women’s Awakening (Sports)’ category.
Yesterday, at a ceremony organised at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital to mark Begum Rokeya Day, Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus presented the awards to the four women who received the medals.
Last year, Bangladesh became champions of the SAFF Women’s Football Championship for the second time in a row. This year, they made history by qualifying for the final stage of AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the first time. Rituparna made great contributions in both competitions.
Rituparna said, “Every award is a matter of pride and respect. Earlier this year, I and my teammates received the Ekushey Padak, which was a great honour, and it came as part of the team. Now I have received the ‘Begum Rokeya Padak’ individually, and that makes it even more special for me”.
She also added, “Every athlete fights for the nation. All players come through hardship. Receiving an award named after such an inspiring figure increases my sense of responsibility toward my country and society. This honour will inspire me to give even more.”
“Athletes represent the country on international stages. When people see a woman athlete succeed, it inspires many others to take up sports or pursue their goals. There are many talented women athletes in our country. If they receive this award in the future, they too will feel encouraged and motivated,” Ritu Porna expressed.
Rituparna is the youngest woman among those selected for the ‘Begum Rokeya Padak’ and this is the first time a footballer received this medal.
Rituparna, a footballer from Kaukhali Upazila in Rangamati district, is considered a big star in national women’s football and an inspiration for hill women in sports. Her achievements have been welcomed by the sports community in the hilly region.