Qatar Foundation will assist in establishing a dedicated foundation in Bangladesh to support the development of female athletes, its CEO Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani announced during a meeting with a visiting Bangladeshi sports delegation in Doha.

The announcement came on the sidelines of the Earthna Summit on Tuesday, where Sheikha Hind — also the sister of the Emir of Qatar and a former top athlete — met four Bangladeshi women athletes who are currently visiting Qatar with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.

The visiting delegation includes Bangladesh women’s football team captain Afida Khandakar, footballer Shaheda Akter Ripa, and national cricketers Sumaiya Akter and Sharmin Sultana.

During the meeting, the athletes shared their personal experiences, aspirations, and the challenges they face as female athletes in Bangladesh.

Moved by their stories, Sheikha Hind pledged support for improving sports infrastructure, training, and opportunities for Bangladeshi women in sports.

“We were briefed in detail by the Chief Adviser before coming to Qatar about what we should aim to achieve. Our mission was to present Bangladesh’s sports scenario and aspirations to the Qatari leadership, and I believe we did just that,” said football captain Afida Khandakar.

Afida added that the athletes raised issues regarding accommodation, nutrition, and training facilities back home. “Sheikha Hind listened carefully and assured us of her support. I’m hopeful we’ll return with something meaningful,” she said.

Bangladeshi female players spend busy day in Doha, share their experiences

Footballer Shaheda Akter Ripa expressed her appreciation for being included in the delegation, saying, “We were delighted when the Federation informed us about joining the Chief Adviser on this trip. He is the first person in such a position who has seriously thought about women's sports and taken steps for our betterment.”

Cricketer Sumaiya Akter highlighted the need for increased engagement in women’s cricket in Bangladesh. “We invited Sheikha Hind to attend a cricket match in Bangladesh, and to our surprise, she expressed a strong interest in visiting,” Sumaiya said.

"Football is more popular in Qatar, people here are less interested in cricket. When we came here, we talked to the Qatar Foundation CEO about how Qatar's involvement in cricket could be further increased," she added.

Sharmin Sultana said the QF CEO also inquired about the medical and training support required by athletes. “We requested better medical and rehab support. She encouraged us to consider training in physiotherapy and fitness, and assured cooperation from Qatar in these areas.”

Sharmin also praised her visit to Doha’s Aspire Academy, noting its athlete-friendly environment, world-class indoor facilities, and scholarship opportunities.

The athletes said they were deeply encouraged by the commitment from the Qatar Foundation and believed that such initiatives could play a significant role in advancing women’s sports in Bangladesh.

They also expressed gratitude to the Chief Adviser for facilitating the visit and the opportunity to advocate for their cause.