Mashfia hopes to inspire others

Mashfia Afrin, a former national player, wrote a piece of history by conducing matches of Junior World Tennis Series Bangladesh Open Tennis Competition which got underway yesterday at Sheikh Jamal National Tennis Complex in Ramna.

Mashfia, who represented Bangladesh in under-14, under-20 and senior level before calling time last year following a shoulder injury, became the first female referee from Bangladesh to officiate international matches. Two male referees from Bangladesh -- Sarwar Mostafa and Ahmed Ziaur Rahman -- had previously officiated international matches.

A young boy makes a return on the opening day of the Junior World Tennis Series Bangladesh Open Tennis Competition at the Sheikh Jamal National Tennis Complex in Ramna yesterday. PHOTO: BTF

"BTF had been hosting international tournaments since 1972, but there was no female referee from our country at international level. So, I am really happy to be able to do that and I believe this will inspire other women," Mashfia told The Daily Star yesterday.

"JWTS Bangladesh Open was never held in Bangladesh before. These tournaments are usually held in Europe with different laws, so I think my knowledge will be enriched through this event," said the Grade-XII student of Viqarunnisa Noon School & College. Some 81 players including 22 girls from USA, France and Bangladesh are taking part in the tournament.