Hamza Choudhury and Rishad Hossain Shine at BSPA Sports Awards 2025
A Night of Excellence: Celebrating Bangladesh’s Sporting Elite
The prestigious Cool-BSPA Sports Awards 2025, organized by the historic Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA), recently took center stage at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka. The grand ceremony served as a beacon for the nation’s sporting community, bringing together athletes, coaches, organizers, and contributors to recognize the immense talent and dedication that defined the 2025 sporting calendar.
Hamza Choudhury: The Triple Crown Winner
The evening truly belonged to star footballer Hamza Choudhury. In a fiercely competitive field that included standout women’s footballer Rituparna Chakma and hockey sensation Amirul Islam, Choudhury secured the night’s most coveted title: Sports Person of the Year 2025. His dominance was absolute, as he also claimed the Popular Choice Award—voted for by the public—and was officially recognized as the Footballer of the Year.
Expressing his gratitude via a video message, Choudhury remarked on the significance of the accolade. He extended his thanks to his family, teammates, and the fans whose unwavering support throughout the year helped him reach such heights. His performance in 2025 has cemented his status as a pivotal figure in Bangladesh’s national sports identity.
Rishad Hossain and Other Top Performers
While football took the spotlight, the cricketing world also celebrated its finest. Rishad Hossain was named the Cricketer of the Year, a testament to his rising influence in the sport. The ceremony underscored the diversity of talent across various disciplines, acknowledging athletes who have worked tirelessly to elevate their respective sports.
The event was graced by the State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, who handed out the honors. Reflecting on his own journey, the Minister noted how the BSPA Awards have evolved alongside the nation’s sports sector, mirroring the growth and professionalization of Bangladeshi athletes on the global stage.
Looking Toward the Future
BSPA President Rezwan Uz Zaman Rajib used the platform to highlight the vital role of sports journalism. Emphasizing that the standards in Bangladesh are already world-class, he articulated a vision for the future, including the establishment of a dedicated Sports Journalism Institute. Such an institution would represent a significant step forward in nurturing the voices that document the nation’s sporting history.
The partnership between the BSPA and Square Toiletries Limited, which has sponsored the event through their brand “Cool” for 11 consecutive years, remains a cornerstone of the ceremony’s longevity and prestige.
Full List of Honorees
The 2025 awards recognized excellence across 16 distinct categories, celebrating both individual brilliance and institutional success:
- Sports Person of the Year: Hamza Choudhury
- Runners-up: Rituparna Chakma, 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
As the curtains closed on the 2025 ceremony, the spirit of celebration was palpable. With roots dating back to 1964, the BSPA continues to be a driving force in acknowledging the hard work that keeps the sporting spirit alive in Bangladesh. The performances of stars like Hamza and Rishad serve as inspiration for the next generation of athletes who are already preparing for the challenges of the coming years.
