Photo : Messenger
In the world of football, midfielders are often revered as the heartbeat of a team. They orchestrate plays, deliver crucial passes, and ensure goals are scored. Among the ranks of superstar footballers, many have risen from the midfield position, showcasing their skill and dominance on the field. Razia Sultana, a champion midfielder from Bangladesh, was no exception. She played a pivotal role in her team's success, contributing to their victories in the Saff U-18 championship. However, despite her accomplishments on the field, Razia's life was tragically cut short by poverty.
On March 13, Razia passed away after giving birth to a child in Satkhira, at the young age of 21. She had been a regular member of various youth and senior national football teams for six years, demonstrating her dedication and talent for the sport. Yet her untimely demise sheds light on the inadequacies and neglect prevalent in the realm of sports management, particularly at the grassroots level.
Razia's story serves as a distressing reminder of the urgent need for societal change, starting with comprehensive reforms in sports management. While Bangladesh has shown remarkable achievements in age-level sports, particularly in football and cricket, the lack of sustained progress and long-term impact is evident. The current system fails to provide adequate support and opportunities for aspiring athletes, leading to missed potential and unrealized dreams.
Media reports reveal troubling details about Razia's circumstances during her pregnancy. She lacked access to proper healthcare, relying on an unskilled midwife for assistance. Her tragic fate raises significant questions about the level of care and attention afforded to athletes, especially those at the grassroots level. Despite the availability of resources and partnerships within the sports sector, the systemic failures persist, denying promising talents like Razia the basic rights and support they deserve.
It's imperative for the Bangladesh Football Federation and other sports governing bodies to assume greater responsibility for nurturing and safeguarding the well-being of athletes. Drawing inspiration from successful models in Europe and South America, where clubs prioritise the holistic development of young players, Bangladesh must prioritise investment in grassroots sports infrastructure and player welfare initiatives.
Razia's passing serves as a wake-up call for the sports management community to reevaluate its priorities and enact meaningful reforms. The focus should extend beyond major cities like Dhaka, ensuring equitable access and opportunities for athletes across the country. By adopting innovative strategies and learning from international best practices, Bangladesh can harness its sporting potential and honour the legacy of talents like Razia.
The rise of Bangladesh in cricket and the increasing prominence of women's football are indeed positive developments for the country's sports landscape. However, there is still much room for improvement in sports management, particularly in fostering talent at the grassroots level and implementing innovative strategies for player development.
Looking at successful sports management models in Europe and South America can offer valuable insights for Bangladesh. These regions have long been known for their excellence in producing top-tier athletes and nurturing talent from a young age.
The comparison between the support provided to Lionel Messi by Barcelona and the lack of basic rights afforded to Razia highlights a harsh disparity in how athletes are treated based on their circumstances and opportunities. Messi's case exemplifies the proactive approach of a top-tier football club to nurturing talent and addressing complex issues that may hamper a player's development.
In contrast, Razia's tragic situation underscores the systemic failures and neglect within sports management, particularly regarding access to healthcare and essential support for athletes, especially those from marginalised backgrounds.
Razia's untimely demise underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in sports management at both the grassroots and central levels. Her story should serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring greater investment, innovation, and commitment to the well-being of athletes nationwide.
The writer is a journalist.
Messenger/Fameema
