Afidar is happy to fulfill his father's dream

Khandaker Arif Hossain had big dreams. Satkhira used to play in the district team, but wanted to become the highest level footballer in the country. Abahani wanted to wear the national team jersey in a club like Mohammedan in Dhaka football.

But do all dreams come true? Arif Hossain did not have that dream. But now his joy knows no bounds. With daughter Afida Khandkar, he filled that imperfection. Arif Hossain's daughter is playing in the women's national football team. Under his leadership, Bangladesh Women became joint champions in the SAF U-19 Championship.

After the dramatic final of SAFF U-19 tournament last week, Arif Hossain was talking about his dreams with his daughter Afida, 'I didn't want to be a big footballer myself. But my daughter is wearing the national team jersey, leading the country to the SAFF U-19 tournament title. My shortcoming was solved by the girl. I can't express how happy I am. I am Afida's father, but everyone in the team is my child, my beloved child.

The champion trophy was officially handed over to the Bangladesh team at Buffet Bhavan yesterday. After an eventful final on 8 February, Bangladesh, India-Both teams were declared joint champions, with Bangladesh handing over the trophy to India. Afidad did not celebrate the title. The Bangladesh Under-19 women's team was also given an opportunity to celebrate the same tomorrow by creating a new trophy. Captain Afida presented the trophy of pride.

On such a happy day, Arif Hossain's words were the first thing Afida remembered, 'Dad always wanted me to play football. Many looked eager. But father didn't care. He himself played football for the Satkhira district team. I really wanted to play in a big club in Dhaka, I wanted to play in the national team. That wish was not fulfilled. That's why he wanted to make me a footballer.