Bangladesh one-day international skipper Tamim Iqbal has been silently helping struggling athletes of the country across different sports, personally extending aid to nearly 100 athletes during this coronavirus crisis.
Tamim came forward to support the struggling cyclists, swimmers, gymnasts, footballers, cricketers, kabaddi, wushu, and hockey players, as well as coaches who are facing a harsh situation during this pandemic.
Local cricket coach Humayun Kabir, an acquaintance of Tamim, coordinated the entire process and verified that at least 91 athletes have received help directly from Tamim.
‘A total of 91 athletes from different disciplines were given financial assistance that includes swimming, hockey, football, athletics, cricket and other games as well. Everyone has been supported financially through mobile banking services,’ Humayun told New Age on Tuesday.
Receiving the unprecedented aid, some players broke into tears, said Humayun.
‘Every player was overjoyed. Some of them started crying. Like out of nowhere I called them and said, behalf of Tamim Iqbal, wanted to know how you are and wish good health to your family and just assist you by sending some money as gift to do some grocery shopping and to dine with your family. After hearing this every athlete was very happy,’ he said.
Swimmer Mahfuza Khatun, national football team striker Tawhidul Alam, cricketer Mizanur Rahman and Humayun helped Tamim to find the athlete who was in dire need of help.
Mahfuza, who has been a member of Athletes Commission and has been working for the deprived athletes of the country, was blown away by Tamim’s generosity
‘I have been in athletics since 2003. I have never before seen before a player from one discipline come forward to help athletes of all disciplines. It is Tamim bhai’s generosity.
‘Three to four days ago Shahin [Humayun Kabir] bhai informed me about Tamim bhai’s wish of helping athletes irrespective of their disciplines and playing levels. We made a list of out 100 athletes and provided it to Shahin bhai.
‘As I know, his initiative is to continue the support. At first the main focus was on female athletes as they are more vulnerable than male athletes. And then the other athletes. Among the 100 names, the number of female athletes is no less than 35,’ she said.
Bashundhara Kings forward Tawhidul was awestruck by Tamim’s noble gesture.
‘I have never seen it before, a player is helping players of other sports. On top of that, he wants to keep his name secret. You need to have a big heart to do that’.
Although the amount has not been publicly disclosed, the athletes were reportedly getting a minimum of Tk 4,000 and more if they required so.
A hockey player who was also aided by Tamim, thanked him for aiding him during such difficult times.
‘My (financial) condition was so bad that, I couldn’t even afford to buy goods for iftar and sehri. I will never forget about this help from him (Tamim),’ the hockey player said anonymously.
Annie Khatun, a gold medallist national age-level swimmer, also described how Tamim’s contribution helped her family in such a tough situation.
‘My father has passed away. I have two young brothers, who are currently unemployed. I used to earn money from this game. But the games are in halt so we were having a very tough time. Tamim bhai’s contribution has helped us a lot’ said Annie.
South Asian Games gold medallist wushu player Razia Sultana, swimmer Nayeem Sardar and two unnamed BGMEA gymnasts were a few of the athletes who have received aid from the opening batsman.
Tamim didn’t want to disclose the news of his kindness but the beneficiary athletes wanted to publicly thank Tamim for his selfless contribution.
‘I was in a very tough situation. No hockey personality has come forward to help me. But Tamim bhai did. Why wouldn’t I talk about it,’ said a hockey player.
Former skipper Mashrafee bin Murtaza heaped praises on Tamim for his benevolent act.
‘He is a good man. Many people are blessed with wealth but not all of them possess the heart to give. Tamim has the heart to help people,’ Mashrafee said.
Tamim had earlier initiated a fundraising campaign among the nationally contracted cricketers, provided aid to financially struggling sprinter Samiul Islam, helped his national team-mate Nazmul Islam in his humanitarian effort in Narayanganj.
The left-handed opener also supported the voluntary activities of a young girl named Nafisa Anjum, who distributes food and essentials among needy people.
-new age
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