In a historic moment for Bangladeshi sport, the national women’s football team departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport late on Thursday, 19 February 2026, bound for Australia. Among the squad of twenty-six elite athletes are three remarkable young women from the Nandail Upazila of Mymensingh. Despite originating from some of the most socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds in the region, these “daughters of Nandail” are set to represent their nation on the grandest stage of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
The Trio Defying the Odds
The journey from the rural fields of Mymensingh to the international stadiums of Australia is nothing short of miraculous for Mili Akter, Sourabi Akand Prity, and Halima Akter. Each brings a unique set of skills and a formidable spirit to the squad led by head coach Peter Butler.
Mili Akter (Goalkeeper): Hailing from Baruigram village, Mili is the daughter of a modest banana vendor. Her ascent began during the 2022 SAFF Women’s Championship, a performance that eventually secured her a position in the Bangladesh Army football team. She currently serves as the national side’s second-choice goalkeeper.
Sourabi Akand Prity (Midfielder): The daughter of a struggling farmer from Bargharia village, Prity first tasted success leading her primary school to victory in the 2018 Bangamata Gold Cup. Since then, she has been a prolific scorer across age-group levels, notably netting a hat-trick in the U-15 SAFF tournament.
Halima Akter (Striker): Representing Rajabaria village, Halima has already gained significant international experience in Bhutan, Jordan, and Dubai. A mainstay of the U-19 championship-winning side, she provides critical attacking depth to the senior team.
Tournament Schedule and Opposition
The Asian Cup, running from 1 March to 21 March, presents a formidable challenge. Bangladesh finds itself in a “Group of Death,” facing traditional powerhouses with vastly superior resources and historical rankings.
| Match Date | Opponent | Background / Ranking Note |
| 3 March | China | 9-time Asian Cup Champions |
| 6 March | North Korea | 3-time Asian Cup Champions |
| 9 March | Uzbekistan | 5-time tournament participants |
A Golden Chapter for Bangladesh
Coach Peter Butler has acknowledged the “yawning gap” in experience between his squad and giants like China and South Korea. However, he remains optimistic about his team’s resilience. The inclusion of three players from a single Upazila highlights the growing decentralisation of talent in Bangladesh, proving that with grit and opportunity, rural athletes can compete at the highest level.
For the families in Nandail, the sight of their daughters boarding a flight to Australia is a source of immense pride. These players are not just competing for a trophy; they are dismantling cultural and economic barriers with every stride on the pitch.
