Squash needs proper support and patronization: Nabila

Dhaka, 21 July - Although squash is not as widely popular in Bangladesh as sports like football or cricket, young squash player Nabila Tasnim believes that the sport has great potential if it receives proper support and patronage.

The current committee of the Bangladesh Squash Federation (BSF) is working relentlessly to promote the game. As part of its efforts, the BSF recently organized a women's squash coaching camp under a Pakistani coach to improve the skills of local players.

Nabila firmly believes that squash will soon gain popularity comparable to other mainstream sports.

Born in 2011 in Dhaka, Nabila began playing squash at the age of nine, inspired by her father, a physical education teacher.

Currently, she is training under a local coach in preparation for an upcoming international tournament at home and the South Asian (SA) Games.

In an interview with BSS, the 14-year-old, a student of Class Ten at Nirjhor Cantonment Public School & College, shared her hopes of achieving good results in the upcoming SA Games.

Q: Why did you choose squash, given the popularity of football and cricket in the country?

NABILA: I started playing squash in 2020 after being inspired by my father, who is a physical education teacher. Once I began playing, I developed a love for the game. After participating in a few competitions and winning prizes, I realized squash has good potential in Bangladesh. That motivated me to continue.

Q: Can you share your national achievements in squash?

NABILA: I was the individual champion at the 4th National Squash Championship in 2024 and finished runner-up in the open group of the 2nd Victory Squash Tournament in 2023. I also won gold medals in both singles and doubles at the 2nd Bangladesh Youth Games held that same year.

Q: Do you have any experience playing in international tournaments?

NABILA: Yes, I represented Bangladesh in the NSRA Inter-Club International Squash Championship held last year in Nepal, where Bangladesh finished runners-up, with Nepal emerging as champions.

Q: Where do you see squash in Bangladesh in the near future?

NABILA: With the dedication shown by BSF General Secretary Brigadier General (retd) G M Kamrul Islam sir, I'm hopeful we can take squash forward quickly. However, the sport needs proper support-especially financial assistance. Squash is struggling to grow because of financial limitations. If sufficient funding were available, squash could develop much faster.

Q: What stage would you like to see squash in near future?

NABILA: Actually, the way Bangladesh Squash Federation general secretary Brigadier General (retd) G M Kamrul Islam sir is taking squash forward, I'm hopeful we can take squash forward quickly. However, the sport needs proper support-especially financial assistance. Squash is struggling to grow because of financial limitations. If sufficient funding were available, squash could develop much faster.

Q: What is your target in the upcoming SA Games?

NABILA: Every athlete sets a target for major events. I'm also preparing with a goal in mind. I will try my best to bring a good result in both individual and team events at the SA Games.BSS