At this moment, no one is by my side during this injury.

Sports Correspondent: In modern football, it is almost unthinkable for a team to operate without a physiotherapist. When a player suffers an injury, it is the physiotherapist who plays the pivotal role in orchestrating a gradual return to full training. They determine when a player can begin running, when ball work can resume, and, ultimately, when the player is ready to rejoin competitive matches.

However, in an astonishing oversight, the Bangladesh women’s national football team, on their debut Asian Cup campaign in Australia, has arrived without any physiotherapist. For the past two days in Sydney, training sessions have been conducted without professional medical supervision, leaving injured players with no immediate support on the field.

According to the squad list released by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), Zakiah Rahman was named as the team physiotherapist. Unfortunately, she was unable to travel with the squad due to health reasons. Rahman recently underwent an appendicitis operation, forcing her to step aside. No replacement physiotherapist was dispatched, leaving the team scrambling. Sources indicate that BFF is now urgently seeking a physiotherapist locally in Australia, as regulations mandate the presence of a medical professional for every participating team during the tournament.

Prior to this, training camps in Dhaka and Chittagong had always included a dedicated physiotherapist attending to the team around the clock. Yet for this historic debut, the federation has overlooked the crucial role, potentially jeopardising player safety.

Meanwhile, on the field, the Bangladesh squad continued preparations at Valentine Sports Park in Sydney under bright morning sunshine. The team split into two sides for practice matches, focusing on both tactical drills and match fitness.

Newly included Sweden-based striker Anika Rania is striving to integrate with her teammates. Despite the challenges of adjusting to Sydney’s sweltering 28°C heat, she remains optimistic:

“It’s very hot here, but we are adapting. Each day, our coordination improves, and the understanding among the players is getting stronger.”

The lack of a physiotherapist remains a serious concern, particularly if any injuries occur during the tournament. The team’s management is now under pressure to secure medical support immediately, ensuring the players’ health and performance are not compromised in this landmark competition.

Bangladesh Women’s Team Physiotherapy Status