Sabina, who led the team in snatching its maiden win in the seven-nation SAFF Women's Championship, was reminiscing the early days of her career today at a reception arranged by Satkhira district administration. Sabina and her mother Momtaz Begum were honoured at the programme with crests and a Tk 1 lakh reward for bringing glory to the nation and the district. An elated Sabina said, “I had no Idea people love women’s football so much in Bangladesh.” Also read: SAFF women champs: Skipper Sabina given hero's welcome on return to Satkhira Sabina mentioned her struggles as a woman footballer over the last 12 years. “The path was not easy but women have earned their position today through hard work,” she said. Sabina requested the district administration to expand the road in front of her house in Satkhira city’s Sabujbagh area, and to arrange a job for her younger sister. Satkhira Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Humayun Kabir, who chaired the programme, assured assistance in this regard. He said another player from the SAFF Champion team, defender Masura Parvin, will get the same kind of reception from the district administration upon her arrival. Also read: Sabina wants to keep winning trophies playing entertaining football Earlier on Friday, Sabina was given a hero's welcome on return to her hometown Satkhira. Thousands of people flooded the streets as she later toured Satkhira city in a mini-truck decorated with flags, banners and flowers.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a cash reward of Tk 50 lac for the National Women’s Football Team who won the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship for the first time. BCB President Nazmul Hassan Papon has lauded the success of the women footballers. “The women’s football team has made the whole nation proud with its exceptional performance and historic achievement,” Papon was quoted in a BCB press release. Read: Rise and rise of Bangladesh women and football “As a mark of our appreciation and support for their effort, I am declaring 50 lac taka for the entire team on behalf of the BCB. I have no doubts that the SAFF triumph will greatly inspire sportsmen and women around the country and sports teams to strive for international glory in respective disciplines,” the press release further reads. Bangladesh women beat the hosts Nepal in the final by 3-1. Before that, Bangladesh beat the hot favourite India in the semifinals. It was the first time for Bangladesh women to win the SAAF. In 2003, Bangladesh men won the event in Dhaka beating Maldives.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Monday congratulated all players, coach and the manager of the Bangladesh women's team for beating the hosts Nepal 3-1 to lift the title of the SAFF Women's Championship. A brace from Krishna Rani Sarkar and an early goal from substitute player Shamsunnahar helped Bangladesh clinch their first SAFF Women's Championship title today. Read: SAFF Women's Champs: Girls bring glory to Bangladesh Anita Basnet pulled one back for Nepal, but it was too little, too late. With the win, Bangladesh shattered India's dominance in this competition.