Rubab Nayeem Khan looks back at TaalGoal, an event organised by Dhaka Hub of Global Shapers
On November 6, Global Shapers organised TaalGoal, a football tournament for the underprivileged children in Dhaka. Sixteen teams, comprising of boys and girls between the ages of 10-14 participated in TaalGoal. The tournament was created to give these kids a platform to showcase their athletic skills as well as to break free from their constant struggle to make ends meet. Members of the Dhaka Hub of Global Shapers, an initiative of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Saif Kamal and Sohara Mehroze Shachi believe that sports can be a force for change that inspires an inclusive society where no child is denied the basic right to recreation, regardless of class and status. “Such initiatives can help children grow up feeling they are valued members of the society,” said Kamal.
The event kicked off in full swing with one hundred and twenty eight children hailing from various communities across Dhaka. When asked about the credibility of this event Saif said, “The tournament brought together sixteen teams which comprised of both adolescent boys and girls, from nine slums across Dhaka. This tournament highlighted the potential of these children who don’t receive enough attention from the society.”
The Global Shapers further added how overwhelmed the children were during the tournament. “They were ecstatic and took the tournament very seriously. The audience gave their full support for the participating teams.”
For the Global Shapers, TaalGoal was the first step in reaching out to the slums of Dhaka and giving them a sense of belonging. “It is the first step for us to know them and vice versa. While we will continue the sports initiative and take it further. The biggest achievement was to give them a source of entertainment and feel included,” shared Saif.
Saif and Sohara mentioned that they intend to hold the tournament annually. Once the event becomes popular, they can secure bigger sponsorship deals and increase the number of participating slums. Through this event, Dhaka Hub of Global Shapers sought to bridge the gap between communities. The match was held at the National Handball Stadium from 10am – 8pm. Footballer Badal Rai graced the occasion as the chief guest and renowned sports commentator Chowdhury Zafarullah Sharafat was also present at the event. Nawshin Khair Hema, Director of Bengal Foundation, Robert Gibson British High Commissioner and Mark Clayton, Deputy High Commissioner were present at the event as special guests.