DHAKA: The football world cup is much larger than just a sport – it is about the world coming together, united in sportsmanship.

This year, the football world cup is coming to its very frequent home, Brazil; but the cup is something that belongs to all the nations. This is why FIFA and Coca-Cola took the Cup on a tour around the world.

We in Bangladesh ourselves hosted the World Cup trophy for three days, from the 17th till the 19th in December last year.

Sports fans around the world have come together, united, to see for themselves the glory of the Cup during the FIFA World Cup Trophy tour by Coca-Cola.

For some being in the presence of the Cup and its storied history of human triumph is a moment of great importance.

Keeping the glory of this sport in mind, it calls for us to recognize the people, who work to bring the joy of the sport to everybody and channel positivity through it.

Some of these individuals may not be big name celebrities or household names but their contribution to the sport is no less. One such individual is Suelha Mongo Marma, a man who has dedicated his life to making football popular among women in Bangladesh.

Women’s sports often aren’t given due importance in Bangladesh; while their role in sports is largely overlooked, mainstream society does not typically consider athleticism as something a woman should be particularly concerned with.

Suelha Mong Marma, who was himself unable to continue playing football, a sport he’s passionate about due to injuries, decided to pick up the mantle and bring the sport to individuals similarly denied of its joy.

Instead of letting his love for football die because of his tragedy, he wanted to make the world a better place and spread happiness through football. It was his passion for the game that led him to sell his wife’s gold jewelry to make this dream a reality.

He started with a football school where he provided free coaching to women who were interested in playing football. This kind of school for women was unique to its kind. His students did not let him down, took his tutelage to heart, and now nine of his former students from his academy are currently playing for the national women’s football team!
This man let his love for the game live through others, instead of simply giving up.

This is why the Coca-Cola team has recognized him and his contributions to the sport.

Having recently hosted the Cup in our home turf during Coca-Cola’s FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, and gearing up to watch the greatest show in the world – the football world cup – we should recognize gems like Suelha Mong Marma, and salute him for his overcoming his hardships and his enthusiasm for the sport of football.

BDST:  1940 HRS, APR 03, 2014