BANGLADESH CELEBRATES SAF GAMES SUCCESS

Since the inception of the South Asian Games way back in 1984, Bangladesh had been consistently among the medal winners. Though not a powerhouse in the region which through the years had been dominated by India, Bangladesh athletes had performed reasonably well against the rest who make up the regional body - Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Afghanistan.

At the First Games in Kathmandu, Bangladesh won 2 gold medals and a total of 23 in all colours, which had them ranked as the fourth highest behind India (88), Sri Lanka (37) and home nation Nepal (24). Its best performance came at the second series in its own backyard in Dhaka where it won a total of 64 medals including 9 gold medals. The nation’s best gold medal haul was at the 6^th Games in Islamabad in 1993 where it won 11 medals.

But when it came to badminton, Bangladesh has never won a medal of any colour since the sport was introduced into the Games in 2004. So there was justification that the trend needed to be broken, more definitely since the Games were being held in the capital city, Dhaka.

In an effort to get to that point, the Bangladesh Badminton Federation under the austere leadership of Mdm Rubaba and its secretary-general Rana, engaged a Malaysian coach to help guide the team through last few months before the Games.

Alvin Chew who took up the appointment in October last year, was aware that the task ahead was not easy. India was in a league of its own and Sri Lanka and Pakistan had very experienced players in their lineup.

But he was very happy with what he saw when he arrived in Dhaka. “I was very fortunate that I was given a team of players who were extremely enthusiastic and willing to work. This made my job so much easier,” Alvin was to say. “They were aware of their standing against the likes of Indian, Sri Lankan and Pakistani players but they were not intimidated. What probably made the difference was that they were willing to listen, learn and train.  They were a pleasure to work with. I congratulate the teams – players and officials - on their success."

Alvin also had some nice words for the BBF. “The Federation officials, from the President down to those assisting me at the training courts, were very supportive and encouraging. They shared their concerns and their hopes and went the extra mile to ensure that the players were comfortable and I had everything that I wanted to work with.”

I could understand their concern about their teams’ failure to win medal at previous Games but they did not impose upon me any condition or pressure that I should deliver this time. That made working much easier and the atmosphere more conducive. I am thankful to them all, very particularly to Mdm. Ru