Three emerging surfers from Cox’s Bazar will represent Bangladesh at an international surfing competition in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka, from September 10 to 12.
The three surfers from Cox’s Bazar-based Street Surf School will compete in two categories of the event.
Yunus Hossain and Md Zahed will compete in the senior open category, while Md Saeed will take part in the junior category.
Team leader Yunus said they left Dhaka for Sri Lanka on a flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday afternoon. The three surfers will compete under the Bangladesh flag.
Their participation in the international event is being seen as an important opportunity for surfing in Bangladesh, particularly as all three have emerged from Cox’s Bazar’s beaches.
Their participation is expected to help showcase Bangladesh’s emerging surfing talent internationally and strengthen connections between Bangladeshi surfers and the international surfing community.
However, taking part in the competition has also posed a major financial challenge for the surfers.
Yunus said they received some financial assistance from the upazila administration, while a private organisation also provided support. They are covering the remaining expenses through their own efforts and financial assistance from several foreign friends.
The money will mainly cover airfare and accommodation costs, Yunus said.
He added that they had not received any financial assistance from the Bangladesh Surfing Association for participating in the competition.
“We want to do well in this competition. We will give our best to uphold the honour of Bangladesh,” Yunus said.
Cox’s Bazar has long been one of Bangladesh’s main surfing hubs, producing several surfers who have showcased their talent at national and international competitions.
The participation of three Cox’s Bazar surfers in Arugam Bay is expected to further highlight Bangladesh’s growing potential in surfing on the international stage.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Collected
