Following her incredible triple penalty saves in the SAFF Under-16 Women’s Championship 2024 final against India, securing Bangladesh's unbeaten championship, Yearzan Begum emerged as the hero of the day, all on her youth international tournament debut.

Upon her return to Bangladesh on Monday, the rising star, awarded the best goalkeeper of the competition in the No. 22 jersey, shared her journey with reporters at the Bangladesh Football Federation House. She revealed her previous roles in attack and defense before transitioning to goalkeeper following her coach's guidance.

Yearzan explained, "I played as a goalkeeper at the school level. In the academy, I started as a striker and also played in defense. One day, my coach (Abu Taleb Tuku) suggested that I had the qualities to be a goalkeeper, and I agreed. Since then, I have been playing as a goalkeeper."

Tuku, a former footballer, operates a non-residential football academy for boys and girls at his own expense in Panchagarh. He spotted Yearzan during a Bangamata Primary School Football Tournament match.

During a goalkeeping session at practice, Tuku noticed Yearzan's talent and realized she was better than the main goalkeeper. He mentioned, "She used to play in attacking midfield. Around four-five years ago, I told her that she has the potential to become a goalkeeper. I trained her extensively in goalkeeping techniques, and she put in extra hours of practice."

Yearzan is the first player from Tuku’s academy to receive a national team call-up since its establishment in 2016. Tuku recalled a match where Yearzan made two penalty saves, but her performance in the championship final was unprecedented.

Regarding her jersey choice, Tuku remembered Yearzan initially wearing the No. 10 jersey before joining his academy, where she opted for the No. 22 jersey.

"I've always had a fondness for the number 22 since my childhood. When asked if I preferred wearing the No. 1 jersey, I insisted on No. 22," Yearzan explained, though she declined to elaborate further on her decision.