Manikganj Rasheda Akhter
‘My dream is to play football for the national team one day. this way, everyone will know me’- says teenager Khadija Akhter. East Makimpur is a remote village in Krishnapur union in Sadar upazila of Manikganj district where Khadija was born into a peasant family in that village. Khadija is now 18 years old and an SSC candidate.
The beginning of playing football
Khadija started playing football at the age of 11 at Basuderpur Government Primary School. She plated her 1st match with Rajibpur Government Primary School and won the match in 2016. Khadija has not stopped since then. After than she played many football match and most of the time she was in the side of wining team.
Love football
Khadija says, ‘One day when I was in 5th grade, Asad Sir was practicing football on the school field. At that time I got acquainted with BARCIK staff. With the facilitation support from BARCIK we formed an organization called Pratyo Kishori Sangathan. Since I act as the president of the organization I with support of other members we formed a football team.’ She went on saying, it feels good to be a winner when playing football in different schools. Since then I have loved football. I go to play football wherever I get a chance.’
Obstacles of the society and Khadija’s determination
Khadija lives in a remote village. When a girl from the village plays football, it is not well looked after by the people in the neighborhood or society. Every day she has to listen to the harsh words of various people. Many people say, ‘She is a, girl and plays football. It is not right for girls to skip so much. One day she will be sitting at home with broken arms and legs. If a girl plays football, she will never have to get married.’ However, in spite of all these harsh words, Khadija’s father and elder brother have always encouraged her. They used to accompany her when she goes to play football far from her residence. They also inspire her and advise her not to pay heed towards what people say. This support helps her overcoming the prejudices and obstacles of the society. Khadija loves football and goes ahead on the path of fulfilling her dream.
She says, ‘I joined Manikganj District Sports Association in 2016 with the inspiration of my father and elder brother and with the help of BARCIK. I also joined the district sports body and started regular practice under Khokon Sir. I went to Bangabandhu National Stadium to play in the district level tournament named ‘Bangamata Fazilatunnesa U-14 football’ from the sports organization. Then I went to Rajshahi, Thakurgaon, Rajbari, Faridpur to play football.’ She added, ‘I started playing football for the first time at the age of 11. I am now 18 years old. So far, I have played a total of 20 matches. I have lost 2 matches in that. We have won the remaining 16 matches.’
Her dream is to play football
Khadija said, ‘Football is my passion. I also play football in my dreams. I want to establish myself in the world of football. But due to the epidemic corona, I could not communicate and practice regularly. I have started regular practice again from October 2021 under Mamun Sir. My dream is to play in the national team one day. I would like to set an example of what village girls can do if given the opportunity.’
