Bangladeshi Female Athletes Participate in Earthna Summit in Qatar

rki.news
Doha, Qatar, April 22, 2025 – Four Bangladeshi female athletes spent a busy day in Doha, Qatar, as they joined Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the Earthna Summit. The players—footballers Afida Khandaker and Shaheda Akhter Ripa, and cricketers Sumaiya Akhter and Sharmin Sultana—participated in the summit’s opening ceremony at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
During the ceremony, Professor Yunus introduced the athletes, highlighting their accomplishments and the progress of women’s sports in Bangladesh. The players were also welcomed by Qatar Foundation officials and participated in interviews during the event.
Later, they met Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, CEO of Qatar Foundation, who showed a keen interest in the challenges faced by female athletes in Bangladesh. Sheikha Hind, herself a former athlete and sister of the Emir of Qatar, expressed her commitment to developing special facilities, including a dormitory, gym, and training centers, for Bangladeshi female athletes.
“We are grateful to share our experiences with Sheikha Hind,” said footballer Afida Khandaker. “This is an amazing opportunity, and we appreciate the Chief Adviser for bringing us here.”
The players also had the chance to meet British actor Idris Elba, a special guest at the summit.
This visit marks the historic first time these female athletes have accompanied Professor Yunus to Qatar. The Qatar Foundation invited the players as part of the Chief Adviser’s four-day visit to attend the Earthna Summit.

Reported by: Mohammed Golam Mawla Hajari
Qatar Correspondent
Ekattor TV