Hamza steals the show with top honours at Kool-BSPA Sports Award 2025

Kool-BSPA Sports Award
Winners of Kool-BSPA Sports Award
Winners of Kool-BSPA Sports Award
Online Desk
Online Desk
Footballer Hamza Choudhury emerged as the biggest winner at the Kool-BSPA Sports Award 2025, sweeping three major accolades, including the coveted Sportsperson of the Year and Popular Choice Award, during a gala ceremony held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital on Friday.

Hamza edged out women’s footballer Ritu Porna Chakma and hockey player Amirul Islam to secure the prestigious Sportsperson of the Year title. He also defeated the same duo along with cricketer Tanzid Hasan Tamim to claim the Popular Choice Award, which was determined through online voting by fans.

Adding to his remarkable afternoon, Hamza was jointly named Footballer of the Year alongside Ritu Porna, completing a memorable hat-trick of honours.

“I’m truly honoured to receive this award. The Kool-BSPA Award is one of the most prestigious honours in the country. I would like to thank my family, my coaches, my teammates, my friends, and the fans for their unwavering support for me and the national team throughout this amazing year. Inshallah, we will continue to achieve great things for Bangladesh in the days to come,”

Hamza said in a video message. The ceremony was presided over by Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA) president Rejwan Uz Zaman Rajib. State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque attended as the chief guest. Malik Mohammed Sayeed, chief executive officer (CEO)

of Square Toiletries Limited, was present as the guest of honour.

State Minister Aminul Haque said, “The BSPA Sports Award has been taking place for a long time. As a footballer, I have always been invited to this programme. Now, as the Sports Minister, I have been invited again. I think this reflects an achievement for our sports.”

Square Toiletries Limited CEO Malik Mohammed Sayeed said, “BSPA is one of the oldest sports journalists’ organisations, and I would like to thank BSPA for making us part of this Sports Award ceremony.”

Meanwhile, BSPA president Rejwan Uz Zaman Rajib said, “I think sports journalism in Bangladesh is world-class, although there is still plenty of room for improvement.

BSPA wants to establish a Sports Journalists’ Institute, and we want everyone’s support in making that happen.”

A total of 15 current and former athletes, organisers and organisations were recognised across 16 categories at this year’s award ceremony, with cash prizes also awarded alongside the prestigious trophies.

This marks the 11th consecutive year that Kool, one of the flagship brands of Square Toiletries Limited, has sponsored the event.

The 2025 edition of the awards brought together hundreds of current and former athletes, coaches, administrators and organisers to celebrate excellence in Bangladesh sports.

Meanwhile, during the same programme, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) introduced their newly appointed head coach, Thomas Dooley, who arrived in the country earlier that morning

.

Full winners’ list of Kool-BSPA Sports Award 2025:

1. Sportsperson of the Year: Hamza Choudhury (Football)

2. Popular Choice Award: Hamza Choudhury (Football)

3. Footballer of the Year: Hamza Choudhury and Ritu Porna Chakma

4. Cricketer of the Year: Rishad Hossain

5. Hockey Player of the Year: Amirul Islam

6. Archer of the Year: Abdur Rahman Alif

7. Table Tennis Player of the Year: Khoi Khoi Sai Marma

8. Badminton Player of the Year: Al-Amin Jumar

9. Emerging Athlete: Ripon Mondol (Cricket)

10. Coach of the Year: Peter Butler (Women’s Football)

11. Best Umpire: Selim Lucky (Hockey)

12. Best Organiser: Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapal (Archery)

13. Grassroots Sports Personality: Alamgir Kabir (Cricket Coach)

14. Special Recognition Award: Shahnaz Parvin Maleka (Kabaddi Coach)

15. Best Sponsor: Prime Bank PLC

16. Active Federation: Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation