Bangladesh has made history by winning its first-ever table tennis medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Javed Ahmed and Khai Khai Marma claimed the silver in the mixed doubles event, creating waves across the sporting community. Their achievement has not only brought pride to the nation but also sparked aspirations for Olympic qualification.
Speaking at the Bangladesh Olympic Association auditorium, coach Khandakar Mostofa Al-Billah said, “In 53 years of Bangladesh table tennis, this is the biggest result ever. The players were extremely dedicated, and their hard work has paid off.”
Silver medallist Javed Ahmed commented, “This success didn’t come overnight. It’s the result of years of effort and experience. We always strive for positive outcomes for our country, and this time, everything – performance, effort, and a bit of luck – came together.”
Khai Khai Marma added, “Our aim was at least to reach the quarter-finals. After that, Javed said there was a chance. We tried our best and succeeded. One day, we hope to qualify for the Olympics, whether in singles, doubles, or team events.”
Bangladesh Table Tennis Federation secretary-general Maksud Ahmed Sonet announced a cash reward of 100,000 BDT for each medalist and promised long-term coaching support from India or Iran.
Medal Winners Table:
| Name | Event | Medal | Cash Reward (BDT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Javed Ahmed | Mixed Doubles | Silver | 100,000 |
| Khai Khai Marma | Mixed Doubles | Silver | 100,000 |