Bangladesh seeks Brazil, Argentina support for football dev

Bangladesh has sought the support of Brazil and Argentina to help accelerate the development of football in the country, with the government exploring sports diplomacy and the possibility of hosting a friendly between the two South American giants in Dhaka.

The proposal came from State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque while inaugurating the two-day International Airlines Football Championship 2026 at the Gulshan Youth Club Artificial Football Turf on Friday.

Addressing the opening ceremony, the state minister said Bangladesh is keen to strengthen football through international cooperation and hoped Brazil and Argentina would assist in developing the country's football ecosystem.

"We will explore the possibility of organising a friendly match between the national teams of Brazil and Argentina in Bangladesh," he said, adding that the government considers sports diplomacy an important tool for promoting football and strengthening international ties.

Aminul expressed optimism that Bangladesh's national football team would one day inspire the same level of passion among supporters as Brazil and Argentina do today.

The opening ceremony was attended by Brazilian Ambassador Paulo Fernando Dias Feres and Argentine Ambassador Marcelo Carlos Cesa, who both highlighted football's unique ability to promote peace, friendship and cultural understanding.

The Brazilian envoy described football as more than just a sport for his country.

"Football is a symbol of joy. Winning is important, but enjoying the game is even more important," he said, urging Bangladeshi supporters to celebrate the sport peacefully and keep rivalries confined to the pitch.

The Argentine ambassador said football has the power to unite people from different cultures and nations, strengthening friendships between Bangladesh, Argentina and Brazil. He also expressed hope that Bangladesh's football would continue to progress and that more young players would fulfil their ambitions through such initiatives.

Organised by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists' Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) under the slogan "One Sky, One Field, One Champion," the tournament features 16 domestic and international airlines competing in a futsal format.

Participating teams include Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, Novoair, Air Astra, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Turkish Airlines, Air Arabia, IndiGo, Ethiopian Airlines, Air India, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Silk Way West Airlines and flydubai.

Senior airline executives, sports officials and representatives of participating carriers also attended the inauguration.
Officials said the championship aims to strengthen ties within the aviation industry while promoting football and encouraging greater public interest in the sport in Bangladesh.