Eid between cheers and commitments
Eid is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration -- a cherished occasion in every Bangladeshi household. But for the country's athletes, the festival often arrives with a bittersweet note. National duty rarely allows room for family time, and the festive spirit is often experienced from hotel rooms or distant fields. However, this year brought a rare twist.
For once, the Bangladesh men's cricket team found themselves at home, free from international commitments. In what would be a rarity, the men's cricketers can do things that general people do during Eid -- exchange warm embraces, share plates of delicious food, and perform Eid prayers with loved ones. It's a luxury they seldom enjoy, making this Eid all the more special.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. On the other hand, the Bangladesh women's cricket team, though on home soil, have to sacrifice the celebrations for something greater. With the ICC World Cup Qualifiers looming, they are locked in training camp -- focused, determined, and chasing a dream that demands everything.
In other sports, the story is mixed. Some athletes will be able to spend Eid at home, basking in the warmth of their families. Yet others, particularly those involved in international tournaments, will watch celebrations unfold from afar, hearts tugged by both duty and desire.
Despite the varying circumstances, there is a shared thread -- a deep love for both country and family. The athletes' sacrifices often go unnoticed, but during Eid, their stories remind us of the human side behind the sports headlines.
This year, for a lucky few, Eid brings rare joy. For others, it is yet another quiet reminder of the price of passion and patriotism.
I'll be missing my parents, wife, and friends during Eid-ul-Fitr because I have to stay in the preparation camp in Dhaka for a four-nation tournament to be held in Bhutan next month. I also missed being with my family during the last Eid-ul-Adha due to my duty on a UN mission. In my 15-year professional career, I've missed many Eid celebrations and have become used to it. However, I feel better when the hard work pays off and I can deliver something good for the nation.
I'm currently in Dhobaura, Mymensingh, to celebrate Eid. I'm really happy because I'll get to spend time with my parents, siblings, relatives, and friends. Due to international engagements and training camps, I had to stay at the BFF dormitory several times during Eid, but this time I have a plan to meet the junior footballers in my locality.
This Eid is going to be different for me as I'll celebrate it with my only son and my parents, while my elder brother is also coming home for Eid. So, I think the day will be joyous for us. During my childhood, I used to receive money from the elders, but now the responsibility is on my shoulders to give cash gifts and clothes to family members -- it's a very different feeling.
This will be the third consecutive Eid that I'll spend outside Bangladesh, as I'm currently in a training camp in Thailand, where I also celebrated both Eids last year. There wasn't much festivity in Thailand; I couldn't even enjoy sweetmeats, especially Lachcha Shemai. On Eid day, I'll attend training early in the morning before going to a mosque nearly 5 km away for Eid prayers. I really miss celebrating Eid back home. However, last year, I overcame the sadness of being away after winning a medal in a competition in Thailand.
I usually celebrate Eid with my teammates at the BFF dormitory due to training camps or international engagements, and speak with my parents over the phone. But this time, I'll be celebrating Eid with my parents, sister, and relatives, and I'm really glad for the opportunity. Receiving salami from elders is always fun, but this time I'll be the one giving it to the younger ones, which will also be a joyful moment. However, I can't go out much, as everyone comes to meet me at home on Eid day.
This Eid is going to be special for me because I'll get to spend it with my mother, who worked so hard for me to reach this stage. I missed her during the last Eid-ul-Adha, although that day I achieved the Olympic quota place in Turkey for the Paris Olympics. As we have a lot of international matches and training camps, we often can't go home to celebrate Eid. But this time, I'm delighted to be with my mother, and to celebrate with my nephew and niece, who love me deeply and have been waiting for me. I may miss celebrating the next Eid-ul-Adha with my family due to international engagements.
After getting married, this will be my first Eid at my in-laws'. I'm currently in Kushtia, surrounded by new faces – and I'm new to them as well. As the only daughter-in-law, I also have certain responsibilities, so I'm really excited to celebrate Eid with my new family. At the same time, I'll be missing my father and mother, who are now alone since my elder sister and I got married just 10 days apart.
It feels great to be with the family during the Eid time…Normally, after waking up early in the morning on Eid day, I go for Eid prayer. Then I exchange greetings with family members and relatives after coming from the Eid prayer. Then I go out to meet my friends and spend some quality time with them. I have no different plan this year as well.
Before Eid-ul-Fitr, I went to Bogura where I attended an iftar with my school friends. So the time has been really spent well…On Eid day, I usually go to my village in Sonatola's Gourpur area. There I spend time with my childhood friends and I play cricket at the school field where I started my cricketing journey. I also visit my relatives and spend quality time there.
I have been in the national training camp for the last month and got a five-day [Eid] vacation from today [Friday]. So, there is no special plan to celebrate Eid. I usually hang out with friends and family members on Eid. However, I'll have to maintain my fitness during the vacation and take some rest. One thing I usually miss during Eid is how I used to go shopping with my father before Eid. Ashraful Islam, hockey player