Dhaka, July 14 (BDNEWS) – Bangladesh most successful batsman and captain Habibul Bashar Sumon was adjudged the best player of GrameenPhone-Prothom Alo Sports Award 2005.
Bashar, who scored 2,838 in 42 tests and 1,663 runs in 82 ODIs, achieved the award for his batting consistency and influence on team.
Bangladesh won 12 in 40 ODIs and tasted first test victory against Zimbabwe in 16 tests. Bashar led the team being appointed skipper in 2003-04 during the Zimbabwe tour.
The 34-year-old batsman in his reaction said, "I take the award as a big achievement because it is the recognition of my work and the meaning of this award is something more to me."
The award was given Friday at a colourful ceremony, organised jointly by GrameenPhone and Prothom Alo, at Sheraton Hotel where organisers and players of different federations were present.
Prothom Alo editor Motiur Rahmand and GrameenPhone director of new business Kafil H M Mueed were present.
The youngest test centurion Mohammad Ashraful and national football team's key defender Mohammad Sujan were named for the best runners-up of GrameenPhone-Prothom Alo Sports Award 2005.
The talented batsman Ashraful was given the award for his brilliant knock at NatWest Series against Australia and England. He put 100, 94 and 52 runs in a row against Australia, England and Australia in that series.
Ashraful promises, he would try to put consistency in future and do better in coming series against Zimbabwe and Kenya.
Sujan achieved the award for his commitment and boldness in defence to protect the Bangladesh's territory of the national football team. Sujan said that he would continue to put his bravery role in the team.
The best emerging award went to country's young striker Jahid Hasan Amili and weightlifter Mollah Sabira Sultana won the best woman's award.
Veteran footballer Chila Monge Chowdhury Mari was named for the lifetime award. Mari was called in the Pakistan national football team in 1957 and represented the country. He was also a Pakistan Olympic team member in Tokyo in 1958 and he played his last match in 1967.
An emotion-chocked 75-year old Mari said that he and his family members would not forget the honour what he had got today (Friday).
The five-member selector headed by booter Basir Ahmed selected the awardees after analysing the facts and figure of each player.
Other selectors were former national booter Golam Sarwar Tipu, former national cricketer captain Gazi Ashraf Lipu, Bangladesh Hockey Federation general secretary Shamsul Bari and former cricketer and coach Jalal Ahmed Chowdhury.
BDNEWS/2038 hrs
