The six-year-old football prodigy from Chandpur, widely celebrated as the ‘Little Messi’, has now taken a remarkable leap forward in his budding career. Young Sohan, whose mesmerising ball control and natural flair for the game have captivated the nation, has officially been admitted to the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP)—the country’s premier sports academy.
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A New Chapter Begins
On Thursday (4 December), at around 10:30 in the morning, Sohan arrived at the BKSP campus in Savar, holding his father’s hand and radiating excitement. Upon arrival, an academy official summoned several football coaches to observe the young boy’s skills directly on the training ground. After watching him dribble, weave, and manoeuvre with a confidence far beyond his years, the coaches expressed unanimous satisfaction. His admission process was promptly completed.
Community Support Behind the Young Talent
To encourage the boy before his departure, Mahmuda Kulsuma Moni, Upazila Nirbahi Officer and President of the Upazila Sports Association, presented Sohan with flowers on Wednesday night as a gesture of goodwill. She also provided financial support to ensure Sohan’s father can stay near the BKSP campus during the early days of his son’s training.
At dawn on Thursday, local sports organiser Zahid Hasan Jewel, funded by the Upazila Sports Association, accompanied Sohan and his father to BKSP. Jewel later shared via phone that the academy’s coaches were thoroughly impressed after witnessing the boy’s practice session, leading to his seamless admission.
A Prodigy Who Won Hearts Nationwide
Sohan first captured public attention a few months ago when videos of his extraordinary skills began circulating online. His ability to maintain close control of the ball, combined with quick footwork, exceptional dribbling, and impressive pace, astonished viewers across Bangladesh. The fluidity and rhythm in his football—traits rarely seen in children his age—earned him the affectionate nickname ‘Chandpur’s Messi’.
Inspired by his potential, the Interim Government’s Youth and Sports Affairs Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan announced a BKSP scholarship for Sohan.
Even former national team star and SAFF-winning goalkeeper Aminul Haque was moved by the viral footage. Through him, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman arranged to provide the young prodigy with sports equipment and a monthly allowance of 10,000 taka to support his training and development.
Background and Family Struggles
Sohan’s father, Sohel Pradhan, works as a bicycle mechanic—an occupation that comes with modest earnings. Speaking emotionally over the phone, he said:
“My son has loved football since he was very small. He would pester me all day for a football. During Eid, when other children wanted new clothes, Sohan wanted only a football. With everyone’s support and blessings, we’ve come to Dhaka to admit him to BKSP. I ask for prayers for my boy. I can never repay the kindness shown by the Sports Adviser, by Tarique Rahman Sir, and by the journalists who supported us.”
Sohan’s Journey Ahead
With his admission to BKSP secured, Sohan steps into a promising new world—one that could nurture him into one of the country’s finest future footballers. Backed by community encouragement, institutional support, and a father’s unwavering devotion, the Little Messi of Chandpur now begins the next chapter of what many hope will be an inspiring sporting legacy.