Imranur waiting for good news

GBNEWS24DESK//

The Bangladesh Athletics Federation (BAF) is seeking further assistance for England-based sprinter Imranur Rahman to help him flourish after the 29-year-old sprinter created history by becoming the first Bangladeshi to win a gold medal in the 60m sprint at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championship in Kazakhstan last Saturday.

The 29-year-old, who arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday night, spent the hours yesterday meeting officials and media before a training session at the Army Stadium in Banani in afternoon. Imranur is also expected to receive a grand reception within a couple of days.

Imranur is a part-time athlete who has been working two jobs to bear the expenses of his family and training but the schedule means there is little room for him to fully dedicate himself to training, although he has been working under a professional coach in England.

“We believe the way he has been training in England will stay intact because we are hoping for some good news in the coming days. We expect some sponsors to come forward and provide him with financial help because Imranur has the capacity to deliver more at the international level,” said BAF general secretary Abdur Rokib Montu, who added that Imranur’s success would have a positive impact on budding athletes that are currently participating in the School and Madrasa Athletics Championships as well as the Bangladesh Youth Games.

The BAF had previously sought help from the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA), who provide financial aid to athletes with potential to shine in international competitions.

“As he is representing Bangladesh Army, the Army is looking after him by paying him a monthly honorarium, bearing air tickets for international tournaments and providing pocket money. In addition, the Bangladesh Olympic Association has also been with him in different ways from the beginning since he came to Bangladesh,” said BOA secretary general Syed Shahed Reza.

“After the competition of ongoing Youth Games, we will sit to discuss what he [Imranur] needs and what the BOA can provide for him, especially after his recent success. We will definitely do for him in the coming days,” said Reza.