Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday accorded a reception to the players of the National under-15 Women Football Team at her official residence Ganobhaban for their victory in the South Asian Football Under-15 Women Football Championship.

Team Manager Amirul Islam led the 33-member delegation including 23 players and 10 officials, reports the UNB.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister directed authorities concerned to give more attention to further improve standard of Bangladesh’s football.

She also advised the children to be attentive in games and sports and cultural activities alongside their regular studies saying that the more they will get engaged in such activities they will remain healthy and will not get derailed.

Terming football as a very popular sports at rural areas of the country, she said, Bangladesh football now reached a good position following various steps taken by her government for the welfare of the sports sector.

In this regard, she mentioned holding of Bangabandhu Gold Cup and Bangamata Gold Cup Football Tournaments at primary school level and said, country’s football particularly women football has now reached a better and dignified position.

Referring to the victory of the National under-15 Women Football Team against India, Sheikh Hasina said, they earned dignity and pride for the nation as it was not so easy to beat India in football.

Roads Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Qader, Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports Arif Khan Joy, BFF President and President of South Asian Football Association Kazi Mohammad Salauddin, BFF Senior Vice President Abdus Salam Murshedi were present.

Later, the Prime Minister distributed gifts among players and officials of the team.

Bangladesh became unbeaten champions in the SAFF Under-15 Women’s Championship after beating India by 1-0 in the final at Birshreshtha Shaheed Sepoy Mostafa Kamal Stadium on December 24.

The hosts remained unbeaten, conceding no goals during the tournament. After crushing Nepal 6-0 in their first match, the girls beat Bhutan 3-0 and India 3-0 in the run up to the final.