Mehidy Hasan Miraz Named Bangladesh Sportsperson of the Yea Ritu Porna Chakma Wins Hearts with Popular Choice Award

Photo：BSPA

Mehidy Hasan Miraz Named Bangladesh Sportsperson of the Year, Ritu Porna Chakma Wins Hearts with Popular Choice Award

At the 2024 Kool-BSPA Sports Awards held in Dhaka, Bangladesh cricket all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz was crowned Sportsperson of the Year, while women’s football star Ritu Porna Chakma won the Popular Choice Award through fan voting.

Miraz beat out Olympic-qualified archer Sagor Islam and Chakma to take the top honour. Chakma, however, captured the public’s admiration for her key role in Bangladesh’s South Asian Championship victory, edging out Miraz and rising fast bowler Nahid Rana in the popular vote.

Currently playing in Bhutan, Chakma accepted her award via video message, saying, “This award means a lot to me and will inspire me to keep improving.” Miraz praised BSPA for creating a space that connects athletes across different sports, calling it “a great source of motivation for all of us.”

Organised by the Bangladesh Sports Press Association, the ceremony was attended by sports adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan and other guests. Alongside the awards, the event featured musical and dance performances by current and former athletes, adding a vibrant touch to the evening.