Sport once again served as a bridge of friendship in Dhaka on Saturday, as government advisers and foreign diplomats clashed in a spirited friendly football match at the National Stadium.
Organized jointly by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Council, the event aimed to foster goodwill, mutual understanding, and a culture of fitness among officials and the diplomatic community.
The diplomats, fielding players from Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, the European Union, and other missions, secured a convincing 3–0 victory over the advisers.
The match, played in a lighthearted yet competitive spirit, drew cheers from families and colleagues who filled the stands.
The advisers, wearing red jerseys, featured Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam, Youth and Sports Secretary Mahbub Ul Alam, and NSC Executive Director Kazi Nazrul Islam, among others. In blue, the diplomats showcased impressive teamwork and fitness, which proved decisive on the scoreboard.
Reflecting on the game, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said, "We won the last match, but the diplomats came better prepared this time. Honestly, we took it lightly — no training, no strategy. They practiced and played with focus. We’ll come back stronger in December for the third friendly."
Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain emphasized the spirit behind the event, "This isn’t just about winning or losing — it’s about friendship and engagement. Sports allow us to connect beyond official duties, and that’s the real victory. The diplomats lost last time, so they came determined today — and they deserved the win."
The match proved to be more than a contest, evolving into a celebration of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm for football. Many spectators described it as a “refreshing break from politics and policy,” where advisers and diplomats played as teammates rather than counterparts.
Asif Mahmud also praised the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) for its efforts to revive the sport in the country, "You can’t transform football overnight, but we’ve reignited fan passion. The collaboration between the ministry and BFF over the past year has brought excitement back to the game. The progress is clear — Bangladeshi football is moving in the right direction."
The day concluded with a medal ceremony, group photographs, and light refreshments. Both teams expressed enthusiasm to continue the tradition, with the next advisers vs diplomats friendly scheduled for December — promising another day of football, fellowship, and fun.
bd-pratidin/GR
