Lutfor Rahman, a 93-year-old pioneer of Bangladesh cricket, received the lifetime achievement award at the City Group-Prothom Alo Sports Award ceremony on Thursday. He was escorted to the stage by Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman. Wearing black-framed glasses and a black blazer, the veteran cricketer appeared overwhelmed by the recognition, admitting he had preferred to stay out of the limelight throughout his life.
A journey through cricket's golden era
Born in Comilla in November 1933, Lutfor Rahman spent his childhood in Mymensingh, where he first picked up a cricket bat at the Punditpara Athletic Club. He made his debut in Dhaka's first division cricket in the early 1950s and later represented East Pakistan in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The award committee specifically sought out this reclusive figure, who was deeply intertwined with the early days of Bangladesh cricket.While the ceremonial shawl was being draped over him, the 93-year-old was visibly moved, recalling memories of a bygone era. "This was actually beyond my expectations," he said.
A new star on the hockey field
The same ceremony saw Amirul Islam receive his first Prothom Alo Sports Award for hockey. Dressed in a maroon shirt with distinctive curly hair reaching his shoulders, Amirul's hairstyle has made him instantly recognizable. The resemblance to footballer Hamza Chowdhury, who is currently making waves with a similar hairstyle, has earned him the moniker 'Hockey's Hamza'.But Amirul has carved his own identity through his performances on the hockey pitch, not just his appearance. Receiving the award for the first time, he dedicated the honour to his teammates. "I am dedicating this award to my teammates," he said.
The City Group-Prothom Alo Sports Award is regarded as one of the most prestigious events in the country's sporting calendar, recognising excellence across various categories alongside the lifetime achievement honour.
