Swedish female football superstar Johanna Frisk will inaugurate the first ever SAFF Women’s Football Championship along with the chairman of FIFA and AFC women’s wing, Worawi Makudi, informed Sirajul Islam Bachchu, the chief of the Bangladesh Football Federation’s women’s wing, at a press conference at the BFF Bhaban on Friday.
There will be a cultural show where the local tribal boys and girls will perform which will be followed by a concert with participation of the country’s renowned rock stars before the opening match between Nepal and Maldives on Sunday. Apart from the inauguration programme, the FIFA has organised a beach football tournament in Cox’s Bazar. The local administration will hold a cultural show every night and a handicrafts fair on all the 12 days of the tournament.
‘The venue is in a very good condition and we have completed all the preparations. I hope it will be a successful event.’ said Mahfuza Akhter Kiron, the vice-chairman of the SAFF women’s football committee.
BFF general secretary Al Musabbir Sadi confirmed the arrival of all the participant teams. He also introduced Grameenphone as the new official partner of the event. Puma, KFC and Aamra Networks are sponsoring the event as well.
‘We decided to organise the unique event in Cox’s Bazar, far away from the capital city, to promote our tourism and culture. We discussed the issue with the Bangladesh Tourism Board several times and they agreed to give us all kinds of required assistance. I think the occasion will fulfil our desires,’ Bachchu remarked.
SAFF and BFF president Kazi Salahuddin, SAFF general secretary Alberto Colaco and FIFA official
Monica Staab will remain present at the venue throughout the tournament. ATN Bangla will telecast the opening ceremony, the semi-final matches and the final live from the stadium.
