Federations, athletes continue support

Since the government declared shutdown on March 26 in an attempt to prevent the spread of coronavirus, sports personalities and sporting authorities have been helping those in financial trouble – both within the community and outside of it.

Following the footsteps of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), the other sporting federations and sports welfare associations have also come forward to help people in their suffering.

On Monday, Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) president Air Marshal Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat made a donation to the BHF account to help needy hockey players, coaches and umpires.

"The BFF president today [Monday] handed over a fund to the BHF account and we will start sending the money to some 50 needy players, coaches and umpires as we, some BHF officials, have raised a fund of Tk 5 lakh to assist them. Our target is to disburse Tk 5,000 each among the listed people. We will also try to help 20 more needy players before Eid-ul-Fitr," BHF's acting general secretary Mohammad Yousuf told the Daily Star.

Bangladesh Tennis Federation treasurer Sheikh Mohammad Aslam informed that they have raised more than Tk 2 lakh as some BTF officials responded to his calls to help the needy players and coaches.

"As most of our players have come from needy families, we have decided to distribute the fund among some 40 players and coaches and we are going to hand it over to them within a couple of days," Aslam told The Daily Star. 

Bangladesh Athletics Federation general secretary Abdur Rakib Montu informed that they have already raised Tk 5 lakh to help former and current athletes, coaches and judges, especially those who are facing financial trouble.

"A committee formed to select needy athletes, coaches and judges is scheduled to sit today [Tuesday] to finalise everything. They will take a decision on how many players and officials need help and how much help they need," Montu told The Daily Star adding that he is also helping needy athletes get relief from their respective districts.

National badminton player Mohammad Ammar, along with other shuttlers, have already made an instance by cultivate paddy in Haor area of Sunamganj as well as providing daily essentials to the under-privileged people and needy badminton players. Following the steps of Ammar, Bangladesh Badminton Federation general secretary Amir Hossain Bahar help some 37 former and current shuttlers and coaches who have been in trouble due to the shutdown.

With the uncertainty over the resumption of sporting, it is not sure how long the individuals and federation officials can continue helping the less-fortunate athletes, but such help will certainly give a bit of relief to them in their hour of great distress.