Hamza Choudhury and Rishad Hossain Shine at BSPA Sports Awards 2025
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Celebrating Excellence in Bangladeshi Sports
The prestigious Cool-BSPA Sports Awards 2025, hosted by the historical Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA), took center stage this past Friday at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka. The gala event served as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the nation’s top athletes, coaches, and sports contributors, marking another year of monumental achievements in the regional sports landscape.
Hamza Choudhury’s Triple Crown Performance
The spotlight undoubtedly belonged to football sensation Hamza Choudhury. In a dominant performance that underscored his impact on the field, Hamza was crowned the Sports Person of the Year 2025. He edged out stiff competition from women’s footballer Rituparna Chakma and hockey standout Amirul Islam to take home the most coveted trophy of the evening.
Beyond the main award, Hamza also secured the Popular Choice Award—determined by the passionate voices of sports fans—and was named Footballer of the Year. This triple-victory solidified his status as the most influential figure in this year’s ceremony. Reflecting on his success via a video message, Hamza expressed deep pride, crediting his family, coaching staff, teammates, and the loyal fans who have championed his journey and the national team throughout the calendar year.
Honoring Talent Across Disciplines
While Hamza grabbed headlines, the awards ceremony honored excellence across a diverse spectrum of sports, highlighting the breadth of talent currently emerging in Bangladesh. Among the standout winners was Rishad Hossain, who was deservingly named Cricketer of the Year for his significant contributions to the sport. Other key honors included recognition for emerging talents, tactical coaching experts, and dedicated organizers who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
Distinguished Guests and Future Visions
The ceremony, chaired by BSPA President Rezwan Uz Zaman Rajib, was graced by the presence of State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, who served as the chief guest. Having transitioned from a professional footballer to a government official, Minister Haque remarked on the evolution of the event, stating that the growth of the BSPA Awards mirrors the broader development of the country’s sports sector.
Malik Mohammed Said, CEO of Square Toiletries Limited, attended as the guest of honor, representing the brand “Cool,” which has sponsored the BSPA Awards for 11 consecutive years. The BSPA President also took the opportunity to advocate for the professionalization of the industry, emphasizing the association’s long-term goal of establishing a dedicated Sports Journalism Institute to elevate the standard of sports media in the country.
Full List of Winners at the Cool-BSPA Sports Awards 2025
The event celebrated 15 current and former contributors across 16 distinct categories. The complete list of the honored recipients is as follows:
- Sports Person of the Year: Hamza Choudhury
- Runners-up: Rituparna Chakma and Amirul Islam
- Popular Choice Award: Hamza Choudhury
- Cricketer of the Year: Rishad Hossain
- Footballers of the Year: Hamza Choudhury and Rituparna Chakma
- Hockey Player of the Year: Amirul Islam
- Archer of the Year: Abdur Rahman Alif
- Table Tennis Player of the Year: Khoi Khoi Sai Marma
- Badminton Player of the Year: Al Amin Zumar
- Emerging Athlete: Ripon Mondol
- Coach of the Year: Peter Butler
- Umpire of the Year: Selim Lucky
- Organizer of the Year: Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapal
- Grassroots Sports Personality: Alamgir Kabir
- Special Honor: Shahnaz Parveen Maleka
- Best Sponsor: Prime Bank PLC
- Most Active Federation: Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation
Since its inception in 1964, the BSPA has remained a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s sporting community. By continuing to honor the athletes who define the spirit of the nation, the association ensures that these moments of triumph are captured and celebrated for generations to come.
