Sports for Hope and Independence Bangladesh, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Amputee Football Association (BAFA), successfully concluded a five-day amputee football coaches and officials training camp, culminating in a exhibition football tournament at the Bangladesh Football Federation Academy Ground. The initiative was supported by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) and the World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF).
On the first day, theoretical sessions were conducted by Harry Smith, a coach representative, and Arthur Stuchura, an official trainer from WAFF. Eight coaches from Eight divisions in Bangladesh and 28 amputee football players participated in the intensive training program.
The final day featured an exhibition tournament where the players and coaches were divided into four teams named after renowned football clubs: Bashundhara Kings, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Wari Club, and Brothers Union.
Wari Club emerged victorious in the final, defeating the formidable Bashundhara Kings in a penalty shootout with a score of 2-1. Mohammedan Sporting Club and Brothers Union secured the third and fourth places, respectively.
The prize-giving ceremony was attended by notable figures including Mr. Mahidur Rahman Miraj, a board member of BFF, Mr. Subhash Sinha, Physical Rehabilitation Program Manager at ICRC, Mr.Taoffic Mohamed Toure , Communication Prevention Manager, ICRC, Ms. Sharmin Farhana, founder and CEO of SHI, Mr. Barrister Tapas Kanti Baul, Vice President of SHI, Mr. Bodiuzzaman Al Amin, Vice President of BAFA.
Awards were given to outstanding participants:
Parvez Mia from Mohammedan Sporting Club was awarded Best Goalkeeper.
Md. Mizanur Rahman was chosen as Best Player.
Arif Billah from Khulna Division, representing Wari Club, was recognized as Best Coach of the tournament.
This event highlighted the resilience and skill of amputee football players, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and receive professional training.