Bangladesh Women’s team arrives in Nepal for SAFF Championship

The Bangladesh Women’s National Football Team, reigning champions of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship, arrived safely in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Tuesday.

They are set to defend their title in the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship, which will take place from October 17 to 30 at the Dashrath Rangasala Stadium in the Nepalese capital.

The team departed Dhaka at 10:30 AM and landed in Kathmandu an hour later, at 11:30 AM local time, aboard a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. According to a statement from the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), the players and staff are in good health and spirits, with Kathmandu offering pleasant weather and clear skies upon their arrival.

Following their journey, the team will focus on recovery rather than on-field training. The BFF confirmed that the players would engage in a light recovery session at the swimming pool on Tuesday, allowing them to recuperate before their tournament preparation begins in full swing.

Bangladesh has been placed in Group A alongside India and Pakistan in the seven-nation tournament. Group B includes Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, and hosts Nepal. Bangladesh will kick off their campaign against Pakistan on October 20 at 5:45 PM, followed by a much-anticipated match against five-time champions India on October 23 at the same time and venue.

The Bangladesh squad, led by captain Sabina Khatun and vice-captain Maria Manda, is eager to replicate their success from the 2022 edition and defend their title.

Bangladesh women’s team : Rupna Chakma, Masura Parvin, Afeida Khandakar, Sheuli Azim. Shamsunnahar Sr, Nilufa Yasmin Nila, Airin Khatun, Kohati Kisku, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda (vice captain), Sapna Rani, Sumaya Matsushima, Sanjida Akhter, Munki Akhter, Ritu Porna Chakma, Shaheda Akter Ripa, Sabina Khatun (captain), Tohura Khatun, Shamsun nahar jr, Krishna Rani Sarkar, Mst Yearzan, Mile Akter and Mst Sagorika.