Passions run high for Football in Bangladesh

Bangladesh | OM International

As I sat down on the bus the man beside me asked "Are you Brazil or Argentina?" Thinking that he was inquiring about my nationality I said neither. He was confused and then said, "But you MUST support one or the other!"

For the last few weeks passions - and tensions - have been running high in Bangladesh. Although Bangladesh is rated 157th in the FIFA world ranking, the world cup is followed passionately. Houses across the nation are flying their team’s national flag and it is the topic of every conversation. Exam timetables in universities have been rearranged so not to clash with major matches and stores say the sales of TVs are up 400%! 

There have also been riots. When there was an electricity blackout during the match between Argentina and Nigeria in different parts of the country, disgruntled soccer fans attacked power distribution centres and vandalized at least thirty vehicles. Hundreds of police were drafted in and the situation was brought under control.

What a wonderful opportunity for our Sport’s Development programme to use this passion to challenge many of the important goal of life. Specially designed literature has been translated and is being distributed. A DVD highlighting the testimonies of several key World Cup players has been dubbed and is being given out. But more than these, the personal friendships that have already been established through the Sports Programme can help us reach out to the younger generation of this land: a hugely unreached section of our society.

Credit: OM International
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