From Nandail to Australia: Trio Chase Asian Glory

In a poignant testament to the transformative power of sport, three daughters of Nandail, Mymensingh, have embarked on a historic journey to Australia to represent Bangladesh in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. The players departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport late on Thursday night, joining stars like Afeida Khandaker and Ritu Porna Chakma for a tournament that marks a golden chapter in the nation’s sporting history.

Running from 1 March to 21 March 2026 across three Australian cities, the competition represents the pinnacle of continental football. While the gulf in experience between Bangladesh and titans such as China and North Korea remains vast, head coach Peter Butler expressed a firm resolve to compete with dignity and tactical discipline.

Profiles of the Nandail Pioneers

The three athletes—Mili, Halima, and Sourabi—hail from impoverished backgrounds, proving that talent knows no socio-economic boundaries. Their inclusion in the 26-member national squad is a reward for their stellar performances during the qualifying rounds.

Mili Akhter (Goalkeeper): The daughter of a banana vendor from Baruigaon village, Mili rose to prominence following the 2022 SAFF Women’s Championship. Her agility earned her a position within the Bangladesh Army football team, providing her family with much-needed financial stability.

Sourabi Akhand Prity (Midfield): Born to a struggling farmer in Bargharia village, Prity first tasted success in the 2018 Bangamata Gold Cup. She has since progressed through every age-level national team, notably scoring a sensational hat-trick in the Under-15 SAFF tournament.

Halima Akhter (Striker): Hailing from Rajabaria village, Halima comes from a family where football is a shared passion; her younger sister is also a local player. Halima was a key member of the 2019 Under-19 championship side and has already garnered significant international experience in Jordan, Bhutan, and Dubai.

Tournament Fixtures: The Road Ahead

Bangladesh faces a formidable challenge in Group A, pitted against established footballing powerhouses.

A Symbolic Victory

For the residents of Nandail’s Chandipasha, Jahangirpur, and Sherpur unions, these women are more than just athletes; they are symbols of resilience. Their journey from the dusty village pitches of Mymensingh to the world-class stadiums of Australia serves as a powerful inspiration for millions of girls across rural Bangladesh.

As the squad settles into their Australian base, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping that these “daughters of the soil” can defy the odds on the grandest stage of all.