Travelling Hong Kong fans brighten National Stadium with passion and harmony

Football fans are known for wearing their hearts on their sleeves. From jerseys and scarves to flags and banners, they proudly display their allegiance in every possible way. Yet, at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday, Hong Kong, China's travelling supporters offered something refreshingly different.

Instead of simply waving their own emblems and colours, the 110 fans who had journeyed all the way from Hong Kong added a touch of Bangladesh to their displays. Their placards and scarves bore not only the Chinese dragon but also the Royal Bengal Tiger, symbolising friendship and sporting respect ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers fixture.

The group -- organised by the Hong Kong FA, which arranged their tickets -- arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday and transformed a corner of the gallery behind the dugouts into a lively patch of Hong Kong. They marched into the stadium with drums, flags and chants of "Let's go Hong Kong," waving scarves inscribed with the names of both teams. Some paused to take photos beside banners featuring Bangladesh superstar midfielder Hamza Choudhury.

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

"We made the scarves ourselves, and those are not for sale," said one fan, explaining that the gesture was a show of goodwill towards Bangladesh. "We've travelled a long way to support our team and hope Hong Kong can qualify for the Asian Cup finals."

For many, it was a first-of-its-kind adventure. "This is our first time marching on the street for an away game," said George Tan. "Usually, we just gather to watch at home. It's been a different and really enjoyable experience."

Asked about the match result, one female supporter confidently predicted a Hong Kong win, while another added with a grin, "We want Bangladesh to score one, and Hong Kong two."

As the gates opened at 3pm, the local crowd began to pour in, filling the National Stadium's stands with red and green. Many fans came with families, eager to witness Hamza, Shamit Shome and Fahamedul Islam in action.

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Among them was Sifat Ullah, a madrasa student from Uttara, attending his first live Bangladesh football match. "I came to see Hamza Choudhury and the team play," he said. "I'm hoping for a good result today."

Tofael Ahmed, from Keraniganj, arrived with his wife and young daughter, all wearing Bangladesh jerseys. "I've followed the national team since 1993," he recalled. "I grew up watching Abahani and Mohammedan's rivalry, and I want my daughter to experience that same excitement."

Rony Hasan Molla from Magura turned up dressed like his idol Hamza, complete with a Tk 410 wig and a Tk 300 Bangladesh jersey from Gulistan. "I've watched cricket at the stadium before, but this time I came for football, and it's because of Hamza," he said. "I believe Bangladesh will do better today."

His friend Adian added, "The team have shown real improvement lately. We're with Bangladesh football -- whether they win or lose."

Elsewhere, a group of three friends who had failed to buy tickets online managed to secure theirs from another group at the same price, later suggesting that some tickets should be available at booths for easier access.

While Bangladesh supporters brought warmth and family spirit, the Hong Kong fans stood out for their grace and goodwill -- proof that football, at its best, remains a celebration of connection as much as competition.