Morocco encourages football in Bangladesh.

At the joint invitation of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the Moroccan Ambassador to Bangladesh, along with members of the Dhaka embassy, participated as a guest of honor in the activities of the "AFC Grassroots Football Day" festival last Saturday.

This event is an annual celebration launched by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to develop football among youth in member countries, gathering thousands of children in training camps and community activities. This celebration also falls within the context of the World Football Day, which is celebrated on May 25 each year.

The prominent event was marked by high-level attendance, led by Mohammad Aminul Haque, the State Minister for Youth and Sports in Bangladesh, alongside officials from the Bangladeshi and Asian football federations, and Fahim Islam, the shining star of the Bangladesh national team.

In front of a large gathering of young athletes aged between 7 and 14 years, along with their coaches and parents, the ambassador delivered a speech focusing on the universal values of sports, national spirit, and the importance of investing in youth and grassroots categories as the foundation for international success.

In her address directly to the children, the Moroccan diplomat emphasized that "football is much more than just a game; it is a true school of life," noting that "your first step on the pitch teaches you teamwork, discipline, resilience, and mutual respect. Learning to accept defeat with your head held high or celebrating victory with humility fosters an internal moral sense that places integrity above all else."

In this context, the ambassador highlighted Morocco's historical experience during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. She pointed out that the historic achievement of the "Atlas Lions" reaching the semi-finals was not a stroke of luck or a mere coincidence; rather, it was the result of the wise vision and insightful governance of King Mohammed VI, characterized by massive investments in world-class infrastructure, supported by high national spirit and the players' unwavering dedication.

Speaking about the depth of identity and the strong connection to the homeland, the ambassador praised Moroccan players with dual nationality who were born and raised in Europe, affirming that they did not hesitate, despite the opportunities available to them there, to heed the call of their hearts by proudly wearing the jersey of their motherland.

In conclusion, with the World Cup approaching in June, the ambassador urged the youth and football enthusiasts in Bangladesh to renew their support for the Moroccan national team, embodying the values of unity and human joy that bring people together around the beautiful game.