Ekushey Padak to honour entire SAFF-winning women's squad, not just 11 players

The back-to-back winners are being recognised for their historic achievement in the tournament

After extensive deliberation, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has decided to confer the Ekushey Padak, Bangladesh’s second-highest civilian award, upon the national women’s football team that clinched the 2024 SAFF Championship title.

The decision marks a shift from the ministry’s initial plan, which proposed honouring only the 11 players who were in the starting XI for the final against Nepal.

Following an appeal from the Bangladesh Football Federation, or BFF, which submitted the names of all players, coaches, and coaching staff, a broader recognition was secured.

This exchange set the course for the entire squad to receive the prestigious accolade.

A notification, signed by Md Abdul Malek, senior assistant secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, has invited the Bangladesh National Women’s Football Team to accept the honour.

“The names of the team leader of the SAFF Women’s Champions 2024 and an alternate player have been sent to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs to receive the medal from the chief advisor on behalf of the team. Even if they cannot go on stage, the others are still invited to the event,” the letter stated.

Bangladesh first claimed the SAFF Women’s Championship in 2022, defeating Nepal.

The team reaffirmed its dominance in 2024 by once again besting Nepal in the final. In both historic victories, Sabina Khatun captained the side.

When reached for comment, BFF’s general secretary did not respond to inquiries regarding the selection of an alternate representative to stand beside Khatun on stage during the ceremony.