Child Prodigy ‘Mini Messi’ from Chandpur Joins BKSP Academy

The six-year-old football sensation from Chandpur, affectionately dubbed the ‘Mini Messi of Chandpur’, has taken a remarkable step forward in his budding sporting career. Young Sohan, whose dazzling football skills recently captured national attention, has now been officially admitted to the prestigious Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) — the country’s premier sports institute known for producing top-tier athletes.

A Special Morning at BKSP

On Thursday (4 December), at around 10:30am, Sohan arrived at BKSP holding his father’s hand — a touching sight symbolising the quiet dreams of a humble family stepping into a world of professional sport. Upon arrival, institute officials summoned several football coaches to the field to evaluate the boy’s abilities.

What they witnessed left them visibly impressed. From close ball control to quick dribbling and surprisingly mature movement for a child his age, Sohan showcased his talents effortlessly. After observing his practice, the coaches unanimously approved his admission.

Support from the Local Community

Sohan’s entry into BKSP has been made smoother thanks to generous encouragement from his local community. On Wednesday night, Mahmuda Kulsum Moni, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and President of the Upazila Sports Association, visited Sohan with flowers to wish him success. She also offered financial assistance to ensure that Sohan’s father could stay close to his son during the early days of training.

Early Thursday morning, local sports organiser Jahid Hasan Jewel accompanied Sohan and his father as they travelled to Savar for the admission procedures, a journey funded by the Upazila Sports Association.

Background: Talent That Took the Nation by Surprise

Sohan first became widely known after a video of his extraordinary football control circulated on social media. His ability to keep the ball glued to his feet, his quick acceleration, rhythmic dribbling, and natural game sense were far beyond what is expected of a child his age.

Within days, he earned the nickname ‘Chandpur’s Messi’ and drew the attention of football fans across Bangladesh. His growing fame led to Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Youth & Sports Adviser to the interim government, announcing a BKSP scholarship for him.

Continued Patronage from Football Figures

Former national team goalkeeper and SAFF champion Aminul Haque, deeply moved after seeing the viral video, arranged for Sohan to receive sports gear and a monthly allowance of 10,000 taka. The financial support, provided by BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, has given the young boy access to better training materials and stability at home.

A Father’s Pride and Tears

Sohan’s father, Sohel Pradhan, a bicycle mechanic by profession, expressed his emotions over the phone with tears of joy.

“My boy has loved football since he was tiny. He would beg me for footballs instead of new clothes during Eid. With everyone’s support, today we have come to Dhaka to enrol him in BKSP. I am grateful to every single person who helped us — from the adviser sir to Tarique Rahman sahib to the journalists. Please pray for my Sohan.”

A Promising Future Ahead

With admission to the nation’s leading sports institute, Sohan’s journey has only just begun. Backed by coaching, structure, financial support, and the unwavering love of his father, the little star from Chandpur now stands at the threshold of a potentially remarkable footballing future.