Priya’s fight for a better future

Determination and hard work might have given Marzan Akter Priya overwhelming success within three years of stepping into the karate mat, but the South Asian (SA) Games gold medallist is seemingly losing interest in the sport due to its bleak future in Bangladesh.

Just four months ago Priya, a student of fine arts department of Jagannath University, hit the headlines by bagging a gold medal in 55-kg category in the regional sports extravaganza in Nepal.

The very next day, she hit the headlines again, this time after being admitted to a hospital in Kathmandu following an injury she sustained on the lower part of her ear while playing against a Sri Lankan opponent in a team semifinal clash. The youngster recovered from her injury and was released from the hospital hours later, much to the relief of the people of the country.

Priya, who took to karate against her parents' will and later touched highest success in South Asia, is now more focused on her studies after refusing to accept a soldier's job in Bangladesh Army.

"I was supposed to join Bangladesh Army but I changed my mind and did not join as there is no rank/post except for soldier for the athletes. So I stepped back thinking of my future and concentrated on my studies," Priya told The Daily Star over phone.

Priya is concentrating on her studies because she believes the future for athletes in Bangladesh, except for the ones in cricket and football, is not a good one.

"Athletes in Bangladesh can't continue sports and studies together because they have few opportunities in job market. So at one point, athletes get frustrated and drop out of sports and get involved with higher studies or business to ensure a secured future," said the Karateka.

She, however, said that there are some exceptional players, who stick to sports due to their passion but they too are left with little option for a good job, which leaves them in hardship after retirement.

"The biggest strength of anyone is his/her family but a player fights against the family to come into sports. But when it comes to survival, they lose this fighting attitude. In that sense I don't see any prospect of sports in Bangladesh. However, if sports are properly nursed, then there can be good prospect," believes Priya.

"For example, archery is now being well nursed. Archery has international coach because of the financial support from the sponsors. That's why Ruman Sana is now Ruman Sana," Priya said, adding that she would try to do better in karate but everything depends on how others come forward to help her.

Priya, however, said she enjoyed moments after returning from Nepal as everyone including her relatives, friends, teachers and well-wishers congratulated her and inquired about her health. She also got a big surprise from her teachers, who arranged a special final exam of the first semester which she missed due to the games. Priya believes she might not have gotten this opportunity had it not been for the gold medal.