RANGPUR, Sept 29, 2022 (BSS) - SAFF Women's Champion Sirat Jahan Swapna, 
a brilliant daughter of Rangpur, was accorded warm reception on her return 
here today like a princess after winning the international football 
championship. 

    After landing at Saidpur Airport from Dhaka, Sirat Jahan Swapna with two 
other successful players of the winning team Swapna Rani and Sohagi Kisku of 
Thakurgaon reached the Public Library Ground in Rangpur city by road.  

    At the airport, Rangpur district administration, Divisional and District 
Sports Association, District Women's Sports Association, Sadar Upazila 
Parishad, District Football Association gave floral greetings to Swapna and 
her two teammates.  

    Tens of hundreds of people from all walks of life and football lovers 
eagerly waited at the historical Public Library Ground since the morning. 

    Football girls Sirat Jahan Swapna, Sohagi Kisku and Swapna Rani were 
taken around the city of Rangpur in a motorcycle procession in an open-top 
jeep. They were showered with floral wishes and love from football lovers. 

    The reception venue became buzzing as soon as the three football stars 
arrived at the reception stage.  

    Mayor of Rangpur Alhaj Md Mostafizur Rahman Mostafa, Deputy Commissioner 
Md. Asib Ahsan, General Secretary of the Divisional and District Sports 
Associations' Advocate Anwarul Islam, District Football Association President 
Manjur Ahmed Azad, Superintendent of Police Md. Ferdous Ali Chowdhury, 
District Women Sports Association General Secretary China Chowdhury, Sadar 
Upazila Parishad Chairman Nasima Zaman Boby, Swapna's football coach Harun-
Ar-Rashid along with officials of Rangpur and Thakurgaon District Sports 
Association, leaders of different sociocultural organizations were present.  

    The Mayor of Rangpur announced a grant of Taka one lakh for Swapna on 
behalf of Rangpur City Corporation and wished her continued success in the 
future to further brighten the glory of Rangpur and the country as a whole.  

    "Seeing this progress of Swapna, I am requesting all, especially the 
talented players, to come back to the field and prove their talents on the 
field," he said. 

    Swapna said," I am very happy to see that Rangpur people are waiting to 
see us. This love will motivate us ahead. Earlier, many people in my native 
area obstructed my playing football. Now, they are also rejoicing." 

    She said," Seven female footballers, including me, have been verbally 
selected to play in foreign leagues. I hope to play in foreign leagues." 

    In the afternoon, a friendly football match was held at Sheikh Russell 
Mini Stadium in Palichara area of Saddyapuskorini union in Rangpur Sadar 
upazila. Female footballers from Greater Dinajpur and Rangpur regions 
participate in the match.  

    Later, a reception for Swapna was organized there near her native 
village.