Bangladesh’s under-15 football captain Fahim Hasan made a bold request for better-quality boots ahead of the team’s FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival campaign, prompting State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque to offer to personally fund the upgrade.
At a press conference at the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) house on Monday, Fahim directly addressed the minister, explaining that although the squad had received boots from the federation, better-quality footwear would help the players prepare for the global competition.
“Sir, we have been given boots by the BFF. But if we were given slightly better-quality, higher-grade boots, it would be much better for us,” Fahim said.
Aminul immediately agreed, praising the young captain for speaking up and assuring the squad that the cost would not be an issue.
“No, they want something a bit better. No problem, it is not an issue,” the state minister said.
He instructed the players and officials to check their sizes, select their preferred boots and inform him of the total cost so that he could send the money immediately.
“You go right now. Go and check your sizes, pick the ones you like, and take them. Just tell me, and I will send the funds immediately. You will get this from my side, God willing,” Aminul said.
The former footballer also held out the prospect of further rewards if the young footballers impressed in Azerbaijan.
“They had the courage to ask for a bit more. You go and come back, and then, if you do well, God willing, you will be given even better rewards,” he added.
Junior Tigers will compete in Group G of the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan, alongside Portugal, Wales, Indonesia, Burundi and Fiji.
The tournament will feature an eight-a-side format on a smaller pitch, with matches played over two 20-minute halves. Bangladesh will open their campaign against Wales on 24 October.