Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus is set to embark on a four-day official visit to Qatar on Monday to attend the Earthna Summit 2025. Accompanying him will be four female athletes from Bangladesh—footballers Afida Khandaker and Shaheda Akhtar, and cricketers Sumaiya Akhtar and Sharmin Sultana.

According to a press release from the Chief Advisor’s Office, this marks the first time that a delegation of female athletes will join a head of government on a state visit.

On Sunday evening, the athletes met with the Chief Advisor at the state guesthouse Jamuna ahead of the trip. The invitation to join the visit was extended by the Qatar Foundation, which expressed interest in engaging with Bangladesh’s rising female sports talents.

The athletes expressed their excitement about the opportunity. “We’re thrilled to be part of this visit. Our teammates are just as excited,” they said. The footballers noted that they rarely get chances to play against non-South Asian teams and hope to invite Qatar’s women’s football team to a friendly match. They also expressed a desire to explore Qatar’s sports infrastructure.

The cricketers shared plans to promote the game in Qatar, where cricket is less popular. “We want to spark interest in cricket by sharing stories about our national men’s and women’s teams. We’re even preparing a presentation,” they said.

During the meeting, the athletes opened up about their personal journeys and struggles, thanking the Chief Advisor for this unique opportunity. In response, Dr. Yunus encouraged them to share their stories abroad. “You are the sports ambassadors of Bangladesh. Represent your country with pride. I’m delighted to have you join me,” he said, assuring full support from his office to ensure the success of the visit.