Bangladesh’s first female triathlete, Ferdousi Akter Mariya from Rangpur, will receive financial backing from the State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, to compete in the Ironman 70.3 Championship in France this September.
The funding will be formally handed over at the National Sports Council (NSC) on Monday afternoon.
Mariya became the first female athlete from Bangladesh to qualify for the Ironman Championship after finishing second in the Ironman 70.3 race in Langkawi, Malaysia, in October 2024 at just 19 years old.
The race included a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile cycling segment, and a 13.1-mile run – establishing her as a rising star in international triathlon.
Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque shared on his official Facebook page:
“Pride of Bangladesh, Ferdousi Akter Mariya from Rangpur, has made history for the country in the international triathlon arena. The National Sports Council will provide financial assistance to help advance Maria’s sporting journey. Her success is a shining example of inspiration for our nation’s young athletes.”
