Ashreen Mridha began playing basketball at the age of 10, inspired by her school’s senior women’s team. With support from her parents, particularly her father, she pursued her passion, playing for her school, university, district, and eventually the national team. “Despite facing ridicule from extended family members for having a passion that required me, a girl, to be outdoors for most of the day and challenges in finding safe and affordable practice facilities, I persevered,” shares Ashreen. She became a part of Bangladesh’s first national women’s basketball team, but this achievement was met with new struggles. Ashreen began questioning the disparities between men’s and women’s basketball opportunities, such as the lack of dedicated coaches, fewer chances to play, and no year-round leagues for women. Her outspokenness earned her the label of ‘the angry player,’ but this did not deter her from becoming an activist for change within the sport. Now, Ashreen is transitioning into coaching to create better opportunities for future generations of basketball players.
Inspired by the challenges she witnessed in women’s basketball, Ashreen, with her friend Gulnahar Mahbub Monika, co-founded Deshi Ballers, a female-led non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering and inspiring young girls in Bangladesh through basketball. Ashreen’s vision is to create an environment where women’s basketball can flourish, similar to the success seen in women’s cricket and football. Deshi Ballers is committed to fostering social change through sports, organising tournaments, training camps, and community events to cultivate a vibrant basketball culture. The organisation’s dedicated team strives to develop young athletes’ skills and confidence both on and off the court, while promoting female leadership in sports and beyond. Ashreen’s personal experience with team sports has shown her the value of the confidence and transferable skills they instill, a lesson that Deshi Ballers seeks to impart to its members.
Ashreen made history as the first Bangladeshi basketball player to participate in the Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP) in the USA in 2018, supported by ESPN and the US Department of State.
The Deshi Ballers International Women’s Day Season 6: Inspire Inclusion Basketball Tournament was held on 8 March 2024 at Sunbeams School, Uttara. This 3 vs 3 tournament (teams of 4) anticipated 32 teams competing in U19, U23, Open Age, and Co-ed categories. The event’s main objective was to celebrate the progress of women in basketball since Deshi Ballers’ inception in 2018. Over the past six years, Deshi Ballers has cultivated a community that supports and values female players, allowing them to showcase their talent. This tournament promoted inclusivity, unity, and gender equality by encouraging boys to team up with girls. Moreover, it encapsulated the spirit of International Women’s Day, emphasising that progress is a collective effort involving both men and women playing together on the court.
In addition to her remarkable work with Deshi Ballers, Ashreen boasts an impressive list of achievements in basketball. She has been a champion in seven inter-school basketball championships as a part of Sunbeams School and an inter-university basketball championship at North South University. Ashreen has represented Bangladesh in six international games as a member of the national team from 2009 to 2018. Among her notable accolades, she earned a gold medal in the 9th Bangabandhu Bangladesh Games 2021 as part of the Chittagong Division team and was honoured with the Joy Bangla Youth Award 2020 for her efforts in promoting women’s sports.
Ashreen made history as the first Bangladeshi basketball player to participate in the Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP) in the USA in 2018, supported by ESPN and the US Department of State. Moreover, she has obtained a Basketball Coaches Certification from Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan and is an International Sports Coaches Association- certified Level C basketball coach as of 2023.
Ashreen is inspired by Women’s National Basketball Association star Sue Bird, who played professionally until age 41 and demonstrated that age is no barrier for female athletes. She admires Sue’s record of four Olympic Gold medals and loyalty to a single team.
Additionally, Ashreen’s life has been profoundly impacted by Dr Sarah Hillyer, the founder of the Center for Sport, Peace, and Society at the University of Tennessee. Dr Hillyer’s mission to harness the power of sports for social change and peacebuilding has left a lasting impression on her. The GSMP, led by Dr Hillyer, has been instrumental in shaping Ashreen’s vision for Deshi Ballers.
According to Ashreen, media, sports organisations, government agencies, and corporations can play pivotal roles in elevating the importance of women in sports. “Television sports channels should enhance their coverage of women’s sports, showcasing more games, sharing athletes’ narratives, and providing insightful commentary. Additionally, local sports federations must enhance their resource allocation and consider collaborating with youth-led organisations to effectively utilise funds and drive positive change in women’s sports,” she explains. “Private companies should be urged to broaden their endorsements beyond prominent figures like Shakib Al Hasan, and support rising female athletes such as Nigar Sultana and Sabina Khatun. Through this united approach, these stakeholders can amplify the significance of women’s sports and promote greater inclusivity.”
As an influential athlete and advocate for women in sports, Ashreen shares an empowering message for young girls who aspire to make a difference through athletics: “Pursue your passion for sports with dedication and joy. Practice relentlessly to become the best version of yourself, but always remain humble. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t receive immediate support; your happiness and commitment will fuel your success. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and use any frustrations to create positive change for future generations. Lastly, don’t be afraid to speak up and use your platform to inspire others.”
Photograph: Courtesy of Ashreen Mridha