Photo: BSS

LALMONIRHAT, July 10, 2025 (BSS)- Ananta Das, a determined footballer of Borabari Collegepara Football Academy in Lalmonirhat, is set to participate in the international youth football tournament "La Liga Youth Tournament 2025", scheduled to be held in Malaysia.
 
He will represent Bangladesh's U-16 team in this tournament on behalf of Jafrani Sporting Club. 
 
The U-16 national team has been formed by selecting talented players from the Under-16 level under the supervision of the 'Hello Superstars' programme. 

Ananta Das is a resident of Acharya village in Chinai union under Rajahat upazila of Kurigram. His father Santosh Das is a fish trader. Ananta, youngest among his two siblings, is a ninth grade student at Panga Rani Lakshmi Priya School and College. 
 
 
Talking to BSS, Ananta Das said, "I had deep interest in football since my childhood. Today, I got the opportunity to participate in the La Liga Youth Tournament. This is the first step towards fulfilling my dream. Barabari Collegepara Football Academy has made a big contribution behind this success."
 
"I would like to thank to the academy. With its support and inspiration, I got the opportunity to play at the international level. I'll never forget the contribution of the academy's director and head coach, ABM Firoz Siddiqui Apel Sir," he added.
 
The sixteen year old booter, who dreams of playing for the national team, said his only aim is to play for the national team and fulfil his mother's dream. 

Although he did not receive much encouragement in the early days of his football journey due to financial hardship, his mother's unwavering support helped him move forward.
 
The teenage footballer said, "My mother Archana Das is my inspiration. She has always been by my side." 
 
Ananta's father Santosh Das said Ananta was interested in sports since his childhood and he feels proud for his son's achievement. The locals are congratulating Ananta for the achievement.
 
He also asks everyone to pray for his son so that he may bring honor to the country. 
 
Ananta's mother Archana Das said Ananta reached his goal by God's blessing. He has reached this place today after enduring many hardships. She also wished her son would bring glory to the country from the national and international levels.
 
ABM Firoz Siddique Apel, director and head coach of Barabari Collegepara Football Academy said, "Ananta is a very talented player. We are proud of his dedication, hard work and dreams. I believe that one day he will wear the jersey of the national team."
 
Ananta was selected through a field-level trial held at the BKSP athletics track on June 16.

 Former director general of BKSP Lt. Col. (retd) MA Latif Khan, former national team captain Kaiser Hamid, former national booter Mamunul Islam and Zahid Hasan Emily served as judges at the camp. From here, the 16-member team was finally formed following an online selection. 
 
The La Liga tournament will be held in Malaysia from July 11 to 13, organized by Shambil Park, the official partner of La Liga. Last year, the tournament was held in Indonesia. This year, it will be held in three stages in Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand.
 
Along with Ananta, three other players from the academy have got the opportunity to participate in this tournament. Ananta believes that this journey would take him one step further towards his dream.