Priya’s fight for a better future
Determination and effort may have given Marzan Akter Priya overwhelming success within 3 years of stepping in to the karate mat, however the South Asian (SA) Games gold medallist is seemingly losing interest in the activity because of its bleak future in Bangladesh.
Just four months ago Priya, students of fine arts department of Jagannath University, hit the news by bagging a gold medal in 55-kg category in the regional sports extravaganza in Nepal.
The very following day, she hit the headlines again, this time around after being admitted to a hospital in Kathmandu following a personal injury she sustained on the low part of her ear while playing against a Sri Lankan opponent in a team semifinal clash. The youngster recovered from her injury and premiered from a healthcare facility hours later, much to the relief of the persons of the country.
Priya, who took to karate against her parents' will and later touched highest success in South Asia, is currently more centered on her studies after refusing to simply accept a soldier's job in Bangladesh Army.
"I was supposed to join Bangladesh Army but I changed my mind and didn't join as there is absolutely no rank/post aside from soldier for the athletes. So I stepped back thinking about my future and concentrated on my studies," Priya told The Daily Star over phone.
Priya is focusing on her studies because she believes the near future for athletes in Bangladesh, except for the kinds in cricket and football, isn't a good one.
"Athletes in Bangladesh can't continue sports and studies together because they have few opportunities in job market. So at one point, athletes get frustrated and drop out of sports and try higher studies or business to make sure a secured future," said the Karateka.
She, however, said that there are a few exceptional players, who adhere to sports because of their passion however they too are left with little option for an excellent job, which leaves them in hardship after retirement.
"The largest strength of anyone is his/her family but a new player fights against the family to enter into sports. However when it involves survival, they lose this fighting attitude. For the reason that sense I don't see any prospect of sports in Bangladesh. However, if sports are properly nursed, then there can be good prospect," believes Priya.
"For example, archery is currently being well nursed. Archery has international coach due to the financial support from the sponsors. That is why Ruman Sana is currently Ruman Sana," Priya said, adding that she'd try to do better in karate but everything is determined by how others come forward to help her.
Priya, however, said she enjoyed occasions after returning from Nepal as everyone including her relatives, friends, teachers and well-wishers congratulated her and inquired about her health. She also got a major surprise from her teachers, who arranged a particular final test of the first semester which she missed as a result of games. Priya believes she might possibly not have gotten this opportunity had it not been for the gold medal.
