Imranur accorded 'a unique evening' by BAF, cash-awarded Tk 15 lakh

The Bangladesh Athletics Federation (BAF) presented a warm reception to sprinter Imranur Rahman on Wednesday night.

The 29-year-old, who won a gold medal in the 60m event in the recently concluded Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in Kazakhstan, was cash-awarded Tk 10 lakh by the federation while NBRC, a private bank, also came forward to present Tk 5 lakh for his success.

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

"It has been a unique evening for us because we never went through such an experience," Imranur, who made history as he became the first Bangladeshi athlete to win a gold medal at the Asian level, said during the event held at the Sheikh Kamal Auditorium of National Sports Council tonight.   

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Having thanked the athletics federation, Bangladesh Olympic Association, Bangladesh Army and the people for the support, the England-based sprinter said he wants to inspire the next generation to come into athletics.

BAF president Tofazzal Hossain Miah said, "Imranur is now the inspiration of all and we are proud of his success.

"We are very happy to have you (Imranur) with us and it is a great privilege to honour you from the Bangladesh Athletics Federation. Your performance is the best-ever performance in our athletics. Best compliments to you and your family."

The BAF president, who is also the principal secretary to the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said that they want to hold the meets, training camp and talent hunt programme regularly and thus improve the country's athletics. He urged all to keep patience in order to achieve success.

"It needs time to get success in sports like in education. We had excellent athletes before but the lack of patronization, support, motivation, we don't have such athletes. However, we have invested in school and Madrasa Athletics Championships and hope a good number of talented athletes will emerge through the championships."

The Youth and Sports secretary Dr Mohiuddin Ahmed, NSC secretary Parimal Singh, BAF vice president Faruqul Islam and BAF general secretary Abdur Rokib Montu were also present on the occasion.