Cox’s Bazar Surfers Mannan and Fatema Qualify for Asian Games Amid Rising Surfing Culture in Bangladesh

The rising wave of football excitement in Bangladesh has overshadowed a significant sporting achievement from the country’s coastal region, where two young surfers have earned qualification for the Asian Games. Mohammad Mannan and Fatema Akhtar, both from Cox’s Bazar, will represent Bangladesh in surfing at the upcoming Asian Games scheduled to take place in Japan.

Their achievement marks a historic step for Bangladesh’s developing surfing scene, which has been steadily growing along the beaches of Cox’s Bazar. The region, known for its long stretch of sandy coastline and consistent waves, has become the primary training ground for the country’s small but passionate surfing community.
 

Mannan and Fatema come from modest backgrounds in the Kalatali area, where they began their journey in surfing with limited resources and minimal institutional support. Over the years, their dedication and daily training sessions at dawn on Cox’s Bazar beach have helped them rise through national competitions and eventually secure a place on the international stage.
 

Speaking about his journey, Mohammad Mannan described surfing as a long-standing dream that began without formal coaching or structured training. He said perseverance and self-belief played a crucial role in reaching the Asian Games level, despite financial and infrastructural limitations. Fatema Akhtar shared a similar story, explaining that she initially had little understanding of surfing but gradually developed a deep connection with the sport, describing it as an inseparable part of her life.
 

Their coach, Rashid Alam, founder of the Bangladesh Boys and Girls Surfing Club, has been instrumental in guiding local surfers through early morning training sessions at Kalatali Point. He noted that both athletes recently secured top positions in the national surfing championship held in Cox’s Bazar, which helped confirm their qualification for the Asian Games. He emphasized that intensive training and proper support will be essential in preparing them for international competition.
 

According to officials from the Bangladesh Surfing Association, financial constraints remain one of the biggest challenges for the sport’s development in the country. The organization’s general secretary highlighted that with adequate government and private sponsorship, Bangladeshi surfers could compete at a much higher level globally and potentially achieve significant success on the international stage.

Cox’s Bazar beach has increasingly gained recognition among surfers for its unique natural conditions. Local athletes and coaches describe it as one of the safest surfing environments in the region due to its sandy seabed and absence of sharp rocks or coral formations. This makes it particularly suitable for beginners and developing athletes, unlike many international surf locations that carry higher physical risks.

The growing surfing culture in Cox’s Bazar now includes around 70 active surfers, including 17 women, who regularly train at dawn along the coastline. Their presence has also attracted attention from tourists, many of whom gather to watch surfing sessions and take part in informal training experiences.

International visitors have also expressed admiration for the conditions. An Australian tourist, who observed training sessions on the beach, described the waves as ideal for learning and more comfortable compared to many rocky surf destinations worldwide.

Despite increasing interest, the sport continues to face structural challenges. Local stakeholders point to a lack of proper equipment, training infrastructure, and institutional investment as key barriers to expansion. Some community members also raised concerns about limited opportunities for female surfers due to social perceptions and the absence of dedicated facilities.

Experts and association officials believe that with improved funding and organizational support, surfing in Bangladesh could develop into a competitive sport on the global stage. They argue that the success of athletes like Mannan and Fatema demonstrates the potential of Cox’s Bazar as a training hub for future international surfers.
 

As Bangladesh continues to celebrate its football achievements on the world stage, the quiet success of its emerging surfers highlights a parallel sporting story—one shaped by determination, coastal geography, and untapped athletic potential waiting for broader recognition.