When sport opens classroom door

“If I hadn’t played table tennis, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to graduate from a private university.”

Refat Mahmud Sabbir says it plainly. Years of training in a sport that offers little financial certainty have brought him to the verge of something far more lasting than a medal. A bronze medallist at the 2019 South Asian Games, Sabbir is now close to completing his Media and Communication degree at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), on a full scholarship earned through his performances on the table.

“If IUB did not provide the full scholarship, maybe I could not complete my graduation,” he said. “Because of table tennis, I got the opportunity to study, and now I hope I can find a job after finishing.”

His journey reflects the reality for many athletes in Bangladesh outside cricket and football. They represent the country with dedication, yet financial stability remains uncertain. Education becomes the bridge to a future beyond competition.

Ramhim Lian Bawm knows that path well. The men’s number two is studying Anthropology at the same university, also on a full scholarship.

“If I can graduate, I hope to stay in sports, even as a sports teacher,” Ramhim said, stressing the challenge of managing tuition fees that can reach around Tk 10 lakh.

Recently, Sabbir and Ramhim helped their university win the men’s team title at the inaugural Inter-University Table Tennis Fest at Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium. The tournament brought together national players and student-athletes, many balancing ambition with uncertainty. Among them were the country’s top-ranked male player Muhtasin Ahmed Ridoy, national runner-up Sadia Rahman Mou, and ninth-ranked Samantha Hossen Tushi, all representing Dhaka University.

Mou, who studies Nutrition and Food Science, went on to win the women’s singles title. Her priorities extend beyond results on the table. “A sports career can end at any time. With education, we have something to rely on,” she said.

Across Bangladesh, universities have increasingly stepped forward to support athletes through scholarships and quota-based admissions. Private institutions such as IUB, Daffodil International University, American International University-Bangladesh, and Northern University have offered financial assistance, while public universities including Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, and the University of Chittagong have provided opportunities through players’ quotas.

For Sabbir, graduation is now within reach. The medals remain as milestones, but the education they helped unlock has become the foundation for everything that comes next.