Bangladesh women’s team skipper Sabina Khatun expressed optimism ahead of the country’s campaign in the inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship 2026, with both the men’s and women’s tournaments set to begin later this month.

The women’s squad includes several former national players, namely Krishna Rani Sarkar, Masura Parvin, Nilufa Yesmin Nila, Matsushima Sumaya, Marzia, and Mishrat Jahan Mousumi.

Sabina captained the Bangladesh women’s national football team for more than a decade and was excluded from the national side for the first time last year under coach Peter Butler.

“It’s a good team. The girls are more knowledgeable about futsal. Hopefully, we will perform well,” Sabina said about the newly formed futsal team at a press conference at the BFF House on Thursday.

The star forward also shared her previous futsal experience, having played the format in the Maldives during her time as a regular national team member.

“It’s not like I’m fully committed to futsal. I had experience before, so I wanted to give it a try. I will try to give my best for the nation,” she said.

In her opening remarks, Sabina said: “Happy New Year. As we are going to participate in the SAFF futsal championship for the first time, I seek prayers from the people of the country.”

Bangladesh trained under Iranian coach Saeid Khodarahmi over the past one and a half months. During the press conference, Saeid emphasized the need for a dedicated futsal stadium in Bangladesh.

Team member Matsushima Sumaya was also present at the event and expressed hope for a positive result.

Team manager Imranur Rahman said: “Both the men’s and women’s teams are strong. We have worked under limited resources, but we will give our blood and soul for this tournament.”

The inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship will be held from January 13 to 25, featuring all seven South Asian nations in a round-robin format.

Bangladesh will begin their women’s campaign against India on January 15, followed by matches against Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Maldives on January 17, 19, 21, 23, and 25 respectively.

The men’s team will kick off their campaign against India on January 14 before facing Maldives, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Nepal on January 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 respectively.

The teams finishing at the top of the points table will be crowned champions.