Bangladesh dedicates SAFF title to martyrs of the movement
Coach Maruful Haque couldn’t hide his wide smile as he celebrated his team’s tremendous success. Just moments earlier, he had been at the heart of the trophy celebration, lifted high into the air by his players.
Bangladesh has won the Under-20 SAFF Championship title. In a one-sided final on Wednesday at Nepal's ANFA Complex in Lalitpur, Bangladesh defeated the host team Nepal 4-1 to claim the champion's crown. This is the first time Bangladesh has won the title in the Under-20 category of the youth tournament. The coveted trophy has been dedicated to those who lost their lives in the student and public movement for a new Bangladesh.
Coach Maruful Haque couldn't hide his wide smile as he celebrated his team's tremendous success. Just moments earlier, he had been at the heart of the trophy celebration, lifted high into the air by his players. When called upon by the commentator to share his feelings, the first thing he did was remember those who lost their lives in the movement. Addressing them as "heroes," the Bangladesh coach dedicated the title to them.
"Alhamdulillah, all praise is due to Allah," Maruful said. "First and foremost, I dedicate this championship to those heroes who sacrificed their lives last month and this month for a new Bangladesh. I want to dedicate this success and championship to honor their souls."
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Hundreds of people have lost their lives in the student and public movement. Following the fall of the government, an interim administration has been formed, and there is hope for something new. However, the cries of those who have lost their loved ones have not yet subsided. Amidst this, thousands of people across various districts are suffering from floods, forced to leave their homes and live in dire conditions due to food shortages. Coach Maruful believes that this victory by the youth team will help inspire the nation during these tough times.
"We have lost many heroes over the last month and at the beginning of this month," said the Bangladesh youth team coach. "In addition, the country has been facing severe floods over the past few weeks. Many families are suffering, struggling for food and drink. The new interim government is trying to rebuild our country. I hope this championship victory will inspire everyone to contribute to rebuilding the nation."
