From fine arts to Kumite: Marzan grateful towards her parents

She never thought she could reach this height so rapidly. Marzan Akhter started learning karate only three years back.

She was a student of Viqarunnesa Noon School and College. From then she has tasted the highs and lows of her sport. Though she is a first-year student of fine arts at Jagannath University, she pursued her dream of winning a SA Games medal. 

Marzan surprised herself with the result, as this was her first international outing with the national team.

"I started only three years ago. I have competed in India, Cambodia, and Malaysia. But none of them was as important as the SA Games. I won silver in the last national meet. Now, I have won gold in SA Games." she said.

She expressed her gratitude towards her parents and the almighty. 

"I cannot express in words how I am feeling. I have never been happier. This is the greatest achievement of my life. I thank the almighty

"Also, my parents supported me a lot. I thank my coaches and peers. Yesterday, I spoke to my father over the phone, and he told me that he expects a gold medal from me." an elated Marzan told the press after her win. 

Marzan told the media that she was inspired by Al Amin, who won gold just before her at the same venue. 

"Al Amin's gold encouraged me a lot. It was Bangladesh's first gold medal of the day. I was busy practicing for my bout at that time. I was really happy to hear the news of his gold medal. It gave me confidence. I was telling myself that I also can win gold. I was thinking about the words of my father.

The 19-year-old athlete can add to her tally of medals as Bangladesh have team events at karate on Wednesday at the same venue.