Infinix backs Bangladesh women’s Mission Australia

Chinese mobile phone manufacturer Infinix has partnered with the Bangladesh women's football team as part of efforts to support the fast-improving side ahead of the upcoming AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia.

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has named the team's campaign "Mission Australia" after the women in red and green qualified for the finals for the first time in the country's history.

As the team prepares for the Asian Cup, the BFF has been working to ensure full support, including arranging as many international friendly matches as possible before the top-tier competition gets underway in March next year.

"Infinix has become a partner of our Mission Australia. They will provide us with financial support until next April," BFF vice-president and marketing committee head Fahad Karim told reporters at the BFF House yesterday, adding that the agreement has already been signed.

Jiang Zixyu, Infinix's retail manager for Bangladesh, said: "Women's football in Bangladesh is growing fast and we are pleased to be associated with the Bangladesh women's football team."

As part of their preparation, the BFF is set to host a tri-nation tournament featuring Bangladesh, Malaysia and Azerbaijan. Infinix has also been named the title sponsor of the event, which will take place from November 26 to December 2 at the National Stadium.

"Infinix is the title sponsor of the upcoming tri-nation series. We are also planning more friendly matches at home and abroad," BFF president Tabith Awal informed.

"The team will travel to Australia around two weeks before the Asian Cup begins, and Infinix will assist us during that period," he added.

Although the BFF has not disclosed the preparation budget, it is understood that Infinix will cover 50 percent of the estimated Tk 4 crore required.

After the tri-nation series, many national players will join Nasrin Football Academy for the SAFF Women's Club Cup in Nepal, while the remaining players are expected to compete in the women's football league from December 15.

"We are trying to ensure players have competitive matches in addition to training because continuous training alone may fatigue them," the BFF president said, further informing the federation is also working to distribute the long-promised cash awards to the SAFF Women's Championship-winning squad by December.

Meanwhile, the women's national team returned to Dhaka from Chittagong yesterday.