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Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Peter Butler's Bangladeshi battlers secure historic Women's Asian Cup spot
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox YANGON – Few expected Bangladesh to stamp their ticket to the Women's Asian Cup at a qualifying tournament last week after a year in which they had failed to win a game and lost some of their most experienced players. Ranked 128th in the world and 25th in Asia, the Bengal Tigresses headed to Myanmar without all-time top-scorer Sabina Khatun, who led a walk out in protest at English coach Peter Butler in February. Bangladesh defied the odds, however, by winning all three games in Yangon to top their group and secure one of only 12 spots in Australia in 2026, their first appearance at the continental tournament. 'I'm really proud of the players... these girls have sacrificed a lot,' Butler, who coached Singapore Armed Forces FC in the S-League in 2006, told Reuters on July 6, before flying to Dhaka where a large crowd gathered late at night to welcome the team home. 'They were put through the mill and they have reaped the rewards.' Butler, a former West Ham United midfielder who has spent two decades coaching clubs and national teams across Asia and Africa, took over in March 2024. He has previously helmed the likes of Sabah, Kelantan, Terengganu and T-Team in Malaysia; Persiba Balikpapan, Persipura Jayapura and PSMS Medan in Indonesia; and Thai side BEC Tero Sasana. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Eligible S'poreans to get up to $850 in GSTV cash, up to $450 in MediSave top-ups in August Singapore Four golf courses to close by 2035, leaving Singapore with 12 courses Singapore Singapore's second mufti Shaikh Syed Isa Semait dies aged 87 Singapore Fewer marriages in Singapore in 2024; greater marital stability for recent unions Singapore Shell heist: Second mastermind gets more than 25 years' jail for siphoning $100m of fuel Asia 72-year-old man on diving trip to Pulau Tioman in Malaysia found dead on the beach Singapore Jail for ex-auxiliary police officer who loaded one bullet and accidentally discharged revolver Singapore $1.46b nickel scam: Ng Yu Zhi opts to remain silent after judge calls for his defence 'When I came into the national team... some of the players were picking themselves,' the 58-year-old said. 'There was no discipline. Unfortunately, if there's no discipline, you're really on the road to nowhere.' Butler introduced a new training regimen and tried to bring through some younger talent, leading to the rebellion of a group of established players. They sent a letter to the federation calling for Butler's dismissal and accusing him of favouritism, dividing the team, making inappropriate comments about their personal lives and insulting them. 'No coach likes to be accused of things that are totally unfounded and untrue,' Butler said. 'It was lies, more lies, and it seems like it's never going to end. It can be tedious and tiring. 'I didn't have a personal agenda... at the end of the day, what I've done has been for the betterment, the good of Bangladeshi football.' The rebellion fizzled out when the players signed new contracts in March, although Khatun, Sanjida Akhter and Masura Parvin have not played for the country since. Butler ploughed on with his new regimen, placing a big focus on fitness and making big demands on the players. 'It had five o'clock wake-up calls, six o'clock starts, 90-minute sessions, high-tempo, high-intensity. Not easy,' he said. 'I think it was a defining moment of change in Bangladesh football when discipline came into the forefront where previously there was none.' In a culture where seniority is highly prized, he also continued with his mission to bring younger talent through to complement the veterans. More than half of the squad he picked for last week's qualifying tournament were under 20 years old, players he said were previously not given an opportunity. 'Young players bring a competitive edge... it takes people out of their comfort zones. That's what I've done, I've shaken it up,' he said. Bangladesh started their Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a 7-0 win over Bahrain, but the real test for Butler's team arrived when they took on hosts Myanmar in a decisive battle for the group's single qualifying slot. Ritu Porna Chakma, one of the rebel players, scored a brace to secure a 2-1 win over Myanmar, ranked 55th in the world. Bangladesh rounded out their group games with a 7-0 win over Turkmenistan on July 5. 'Our brand of football really surprised a lot of people,' Butler said. 'You've got to have the belief, and I had the belief in my players.' Butler, however, was not sure whether he would continue in his role, with his contract ending soon. 'I don't even know if I'll be in charge going into the next tournament. I don't know what my future holds,' he said. 'Whether I'm there or not there is not important. I've achieved what I set out to achieve... we got there, and it's history,' he added. 'I'd like to think I've helped change the women's football landscape in Bangladesh.' REUTERS
The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Butler's Bangladeshi battlers secure historic Women's Asian Cup spot
(Reuters) -Few expected Bangladesh to stamp their ticket to the Women's Asian Cup at a qualifying tournament last week after a year in which they had failed to win a game and lost some of their most experienced players. Ranked 128th in the world and 25th in Asia, the Bengal Tigresses headed to Myanmar without all-time top-scorer Sabina Khatun, who led a walk out in protest at English coach Peter Butler in February. Bangladesh defied the odds, however, by winning all three games in Yangon to top their group and secure one of only 12 spots in Australia next year, their first appearance at the continental tournament. "I'm really proud of the players ... these girls have sacrificed a lot," Butler told Reuters on Sunday, before flying to Dhaka where a large crowd gathered late at night to welcome the team home. "They were put through the mill and they have reaped the rewards." Butler, a former West Ham United midfielder who has spent two decades coaching clubs and national teams across Asia and Africa, took over in March last year. "When I came into the national team ... some of the players were picking themselves," the 58-year-old said. "There was no discipline. Unfortunately, if there's no discipline, you're really on the road to nowhere." Butler introduced a new training regimen and tried to bring through some younger talent, leading to the rebellion of a group of established players. They sent a letter to the federation calling for Butler's dismissal and accusing him of favouritism, dividing the team, making inappropriate comments about their personal lives and insulting them. "No coach likes to be accused of things that are totally unfounded and untrue," Butler said. "It was lies, more lies, and it seems like it's never going to end. It can be tedious and tiring. "I didn't have a personal agenda... at the end of the day, what I've done has been for the betterment, the good of Bangladeshi football." The rebellion fizzled out when the players signed new contracts in March, although Khatun, Sanjida Akhter and Masura Parvin have not played for the country since. 'A COMPETITIVE EDGE' Butler ploughed on with his new regimen, placing a big focus on fitness and making big demands on the players. "It had five o'clock wake-up calls, six o'clock starts, 90-minute sessions, high-tempo, high-intensity. Not easy," he said. "I think it was a defining moment of change in Bangladesh football when discipline came into the forefront where previously there was none." In a culture where seniority is highly prized, he also continued with his mission to bring younger talent through to complement the veterans. More than half of the squad he picked for last week's qualifying tournament were under 20 years old, players he said were previously not given an opportunity. "Young players bring a competitive edge... it takes people out of their comfort zones. That's what I've done, I've shaken it up," he said. Bangladesh started their Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a 7-0 win over Bahrain, but the real test for Butler's team arrived when they took on hosts Myanmar in a decisive battle for the group's single qualifying slot. Ritu Porna Chakma, one of the rebel players, scored a brace to secure a 2-1 win over Myanmar, ranked 55th in the world. Bangladesh rounded out their group games with a 7-0 win over Turkmenistan on Saturday. "Our brand of football really surprised a lot of people," Butler said. "You've got to have the belief, and I had the belief in my players." Butler, however, was not sure whether he would continue in his role, with his contract ending soon. "I don't even know if I'll be in charge going into the next tournament. I don't know what my future holds," he said. "Whether I'm there or not there is not important. I've achieved what I set out to achieve... we got there, and it's history. "I'd like to think I've helped change the women's football landscape in Bangladesh." (Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in BengaluruEditing by Christian Radnedge)
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Butler's Bangladeshi battlers secure historic Women's Asian Cup spot
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Few expected Bangladesh to stamp their ticket to the Women's Asian Cup at a qualifying tournament last week after a year in which they had failed to win a game and lost some of their most experienced players. Ranked 128th in the world and 25th in Asia, the Bengal Tigresses headed to Myanmar without all-time top-scorer Sabina Khatun, who led a walk out in protest at English coach Peter Butler in February. Bangladesh defied the odds, however, by winning all three games in Yangon to top their group and secure one of only 12 spots in Australia next year, their first appearance at the continental tournament. "I'm really proud of the players ... these girls have sacrificed a lot," Butler told Reuters on Sunday, before flying to Dhaka where a large crowd gathered late at night to welcome the team home. "They were put through the mill and they have reaped the rewards." Butler, a former West Ham United midfielder who has spent two decades coaching clubs and national teams across Asia and Africa, took over in March last year. "When I came into the national team ... some of the players were picking themselves," the 58-year-old said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Eligible S'poreans to get up to $850 in GSTV cash, up to $450 in MediSave top-ups in August Singapore Four golf courses to close by 2035, leaving Singapore with 12 courses Singapore Fewer marriages and births in Singapore in 2024; greater stability for later cohorts Singapore Construction starts on Cross Island Line Phase 2; 6 MRT stations in S'pore's west ready by 2032 Asia 72-year-old man on diving trip to Malaysia's Pulau Tioman found dead on the beach Singapore $1.46b nickel scam: Ng Yu Zhi opts to remain silent after judge calls for his defence Asia Bali flights nixed after huge Indonesia volcano eruption Life How to cope with the heat when travelling: 5 expert-backed tips "There was no discipline. Unfortunately, if there's no discipline, you're really on the road to nowhere." Butler introduced a new training regimen and tried to bring through some younger talent, leading to the rebellion of a group of established players. They sent a letter to the federation calling for Butler's dismissal and accusing him of favouritism, dividing the team, making inappropriate comments about their personal lives and insulting them. "No coach likes to be accused of things that are totally unfounded and untrue," Butler said. "It was lies, more lies, and it seems like it's never going to end. It can be tedious and tiring. "I didn't have a personal agenda... at the end of the day, what I've done has been for the betterment, the good of Bangladeshi football." The rebellion fizzled out when the players signed new contracts in March, although Khatun, Sanjida Akhter and Masura Parvin have not played for the country since. 'A COMPETITIVE EDGE' Butler ploughed on with his new regimen, placing a big focus on fitness and making big demands on the players. "It had five o'clock wake-up calls, six o'clock starts, 90-minute sessions, high-tempo, high-intensity. Not easy," he said. "I think it was a defining moment of change in Bangladesh football when discipline came into the forefront where previously there was none." In a culture where seniority is highly prized, he also continued with his mission to bring younger talent through to complement the veterans. More than half of the squad he picked for last week's qualifying tournament were under 20 years old, players he said were previously not given an opportunity. "Young players bring a competitive edge... it takes people out of their comfort zones. That's what I've done, I've shaken it up," he said. Bangladesh started their Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a 7-0 win over Bahrain, but the real test for Butler's team arrived when they took on hosts Myanmar in a decisive battle for the group's single qualifying slot. Ritu Porna Chakma, one of the rebel players, scored a brace to secure a 2-1 win over Myanmar, ranked 55th in the world. Bangladesh rounded out their group games with a 7-0 win over Turkmenistan on Saturday. "Our brand of football really surprised a lot of people," Butler said. "You've got to have the belief, and I had the belief in my players." Butler, however, was not sure whether he would continue in his role, with his contract ending soon. "I don't even know if I'll be in charge going into the next tournament. I don't know what my future holds," he said. "Whether I'm there or not there is not important. I've achieved what I set out to achieve... we got there, and it's history. "I'd like to think I've helped change the women's football landscape in Bangladesh." REUTERS
The Hindu
27-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Bangladesh squad for AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers 2026: Sabina Khatun not named in Peter Butler's team
Seasoned international Sabina Khatun was not part of Bangladesh's 23-member squad for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers named by head coach Peter Butler. The Bengal Tigresses plays Bahrain, Myanmar, and Turkmenistan in the qualifiers with the group winner advancing to the tournament set to be held in Australia next year. The 31-year-old forward in February had led a protest against Butler where more than a dozen women's national team players refused to train under the Englishman and accused him of inappropriate behaviour. However, this stand-off wasn't the reason behind the player's exclusion, according to Butler. 'I think Sabina has run her race. If I'm being honest with you, if I'm being practical, I think her time's come to an end. I think you've got to move on,' the coach had said during a press conference last month. Bangladesh squad for AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers Goalkeepers: Rupna Chakma, Swarna Rani Mandal, Mile Akter Defenders: Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnahar S, Afeida Khandakar, MST Joynob Bibi Rita, Nilufa Yasmin Nila Midfielders: Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Most Munki Akhter, Sapna Rani, Kohati Kisku, MST Halima Akther Forwards: Ritu Porna Chakma, Tohura Khatun, Shamsunnahar J, MST Sagorika, Shaheda Akter Ripa, Sauravi Akanda Prity, Most Sultana, Nabiran Khatun, Umehla Marma Bangladesh AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers schedule Bangladesh vs Bahrain - June 29 at 5 pm (4:30 pm IST) Bangladesh vs Myanmar - July 2 at 2 pm (1:30 pm IST) Bangladesh vs Turkmenistan - July 5 at 5 pm (4:30 pm IST)
The Hindu
26-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
TMC issues notice to party MLA for offering money to parents of child killed in bomb attack
The Trinamool Congress on Thursday (June 26, 2025) issued a show cause notice to party MLA from Debra, former IPS officer Humayun Kabir, who on Wednesday (June 25, 2025) allegedly offered money to the parents of Tamanna Khatun, the minor girl who was killed in Kaliganj, Nadia, in a crude bomb explosion. Sources in the party said that it has sought an explanation from the MLA on why he offered money to parents of the child who was killed on Monday. The MLA had visited the residence of Tamanna on Wednesday (June 25, 2025) and allegedly offered money, which Sabina Khatun, the mother of the child, refused. The whole incident was caught on camera where Sabina Khatun gets angry and says they do not want any money. 'No, no, no. We have a house, land. For whom will we need money? There is no one in the family to take the money,' the mother is heard telling the cop turned politician. Mr. Kabir, however, said that he was visiting Kaliganj not as a politician but as an ordinary citizen. Five people have been arrested so far in connection with the blast which killed the child on the day when counting of voters for the Kaliganj Assembly seat was underway on Monday (June 23, 2025). According to the West Bengal police, after reports of the electoral lead by the TMC candidate in the Kaliganj Assembly polls, a group of miscreants reportedly engaged in a celebratory procession during which crude bombs were hurled, allegedly to assert dominance over rival factions and one such bomb tragically resulted in the death of Tamanna Khatun. The incident occurred at Molandi village in the Kaliganj Assembly seat in State's Nadia district. The parents of the deceased child said that they are living in fear. The family members of the deceased child are supporters of Communist Party of India (Marxist) whereas the locals claimed that those arrested were supporters of Trinamool Congress. BJP MLA and leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari lauded the victim's mother for not accepting the money from the TMC legislator. 'She is a brave woman. I salute her for not accepting the money and asking the TMC MLA to leave,' Mr. Adhikari said. Leaders of CPI(M), Congress and Indian Secular Front have also paid a visit to the family. Prior to this, parents of the doctor who was raped and killed at R.G. Kar Hospital and Medical College in August 2024 have also refused any compensation from the West Bengal government.
