Sports Correspondent: In modern football, imagining a team without a physiotherapist is almost impossible. The physio plays a pivotal role in gradually reintegrating injured players onto the pitch. They determine when a player can start running, resume ball drills, or participate fully in training. Ultimately, they give the clearance for a player to return to match action.
Yet, surprisingly, the Bangladesh women’s football team, travelling to Australia for their first-ever Asian Cup, is currently without a physiotherapist. For the past two days in Sydney, the squad has been training without any medical supervision. In case a player suffers an injury during training, there is currently no professional to assess or manage it.
According to the squad list provided by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), Zakia Rahman was designated as the team’s physiotherapist. However, she was unable to travel with the team. Sources from BFF revealed that Zakia withdrew for health reasons, having recently undergone an appendicitis operation. No replacement physiotherapist was sent to Australia. The federation is now reportedly scrambling to find a qualified professional locally, as regulations require that every team must have a physiotherapist during official tournaments.
During the preparatory camps held earlier in Dhaka and Chittagong, a physiotherapist had been present at all times, ensuring player safety. Yet, for this historic campaign, the squad has been dispatched without guaranteed medical coverage — a potentially risky oversight.
Meanwhile, on the training grounds at Valentine Sports Park in Sydney, the team trained under bright morning sun. Players divided into two groups for match simulation exercises, putting their skills and teamwork to the test.
The squad has also been working to integrate new recruit Anika Rania, a Sweden-based player, who is gradually adapting to her teammates. Speaking about the conditions, Anika commented: “It’s very hot here — around 28°C — but we are adjusting, and improving each day. Communication within the team is also going well, which is very encouraging.”
The absence of a physiotherapist is a stark contrast to standard practices in professional football, where injury prevention and recovery are carefully managed. With the Asian Cup fast approaching, the Bangladesh women’s team now faces the challenge of balancing preparation and player safety in a physically demanding tournament.
Training Snapshot – Bangladesh Women’s Team in Sydney
| Date | Venue | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Feb | Valentine Sports Park | Morning training & match drills | No physiotherapist present |
| 23 Feb | Valentine Sports Park | Divided team exercises | Temperatures around 28°C, sunny |
| 23 Feb | Team integration | New player Anika adapting | Team cohesion improving |
