Khagrachhari, Jan 24, (V7N) - The trend of women footballers in Bangladesh leaving the sport prematurely continues unabated. After Sirat Jahan, Ankhi Khatun, and Anuching Magini stepped away from football following their historic title win in 2022, another player has now bid farewell to the field. Anai Magini, one of the key players behind Bangladesh's success, has decided to quit football.

Anai etched her name in history by securing Bangladesh's SAFF U-19 title in 2021. Her dramatic last-minute goal in the final against India earned her team a 1-0 victory and brought glory to Bangladesh. Following her heroics, she was called up to the national team. However, Anai did not get the opportunity to play in either of the two subsequent SAFF tournaments.

Her younger sister, Anuching Magini, who was instrumental in Bangladesh’s 2022 SAFF triumph, shared the reasons behind Anai's decision. "Didi quit football out of pride," Anuching explained. "Despite her talent and hard work, she was overlooked. She wasn’t included in the SAFF squad, nor was she selected for the Bhutan tour before that. The repeated neglect led her to make this decision."

As of Monday, 30 out of 31 footballers reported to the national camp, with Anai being the only one absent.

What’s next for Anai? Anuching revealed that she has already transitioned into business. "My sister has set up a shop in Khagrachhari and is managing it now. She has told us she won’t play anymore," Anuching said.

Anai's departure marks another loss for women’s football in Bangladesh, raising questions about talent retention and opportunities for young athletes.

END/BTK/RH/