Mahir Ahmed: From boardrooms to marathons

Mahir Ahmed is a man who wears many hats: an industrialist shaping the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector, a seasoned endurance athlete, and an advocate for fitness and well-being in Bangladesh.

With over a decade of experience at Apex Holdings Limited, he has worked closely with global brands like H&M, contributing to the country's economic growth. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mahir has participated in 15 Olympic distance triathlons, 8 marathons, and 3 Ironman 70.3 events, showcasing an unwavering commitment to physical endurance.

In January, Mahir competed in the Dubai Marathon, dedicating his effort to honour the countless Bangladeshi migrant workers whose sacrifices form the backbone of the nation's economy. This heartfelt tribute underscores his determination to shed light on their struggles and contributions while inspiring others to recognise these unsung heroes.

In a lengthy chat with The Business Standard, he discussed a range of topics, including the struggles of migrant workers, the inspiring story of Kamal, the need for greater investment in diverse athletic disciplines, and the challenges faced by aspiring athletes in Bangladesh.

A passion misunderstood

Mahir's journey into endurance sports is rooted in a passion he cultivated as a child. Yet, he recounted how societal pressures and conventional wisdom often dismissed his dreams of pursuing sports professionally. "When I was young, people told me it wasn't worth it to make sports a career. They said it wouldn't pay the bills or secure a future," he said.

Despite this, Mahir never let go of his love for fitness. While he eventually prioritised academics and business, his commitment to physical well-being remained strong. "I might not have pursued sports professionally, but I channelled my passion into something meaningful through marathons and triathlons," he said.

He believes changing societal attitudes towards sports as a viable career path is essential for Bangladesh to produce world-class athletes. "We need to stop discouraging kids and start showing them what's possible with hard work and the right support," he said.

Cycling, the general obsession with cars, and a sedentary lifestyle

Shifting focus to fitness and urban lifestyles, Mahir addressed the declining emphasis on physical activities in Bangladesh, linking it to a growing obsession with cars and a sedentary culture. "In Bangladesh, however, there is a tendency, especially among the wealthy, to prioritise cars over bicycles, even for short distances such as travelling from Gulshan to Banani. This exacerbates the already alarming levels of air pollution and contributes to congestion."

He contrasted this with countries like Denmark and the Netherlands, where cycling is integral to daily life. "There, cycling isn't just a sport—it's a way of life. It reduces pollution, improves fitness, and fosters community," he said.

In Bangladesh, however, the lack of cycling lanes and open spaces hinders the adoption of healthier habits. "Kids today don't have fields to play football or even safe spots to jog," Mahir lamented. This lack of infrastructure, he argued, is a major contributor to declining life expectancy and rising health issues.

He called for a shift in urban planning priorities to include jogging tracks, cycling lanes, and sports facilities. "It's not just about fitness; it's about building a healthier, more active society," he said.

A tribute to the resilience of migrant workers

For Mahir, running the Dubai Marathon wasn't just about crossing the finish line—it was a deeply personal tribute to the millions of Bangladeshi migrant workers who leave their homeland to build better futures for their families. "These individuals are the backbone of our economy, sending remittances that sustain countless households and fund development projects," he said.

He spoke passionately about their relentless work ethic. "A marathon is about perseverance and pushing through pain—qualities that migrant workers embody every day as they toil in foreign lands to support their loved ones back home." Mahir believes these workers deserve recognition not only for their economic contributions but also for their resilience and fortitude. "We all have a role to play, whether it's recognising the contributions of our migrant workers or taking steps to improve our own health," he said.

Migrant workers' remittances are vital to Bangladesh's economy, particularly during crises. Mahir highlighted their role during the 2024 revolution, when their financial contributions played a significant part in stabilising the country's economy. "Their sacrifices have held our nation together through its most challenging times," he said, urging policymakers and society at large to do more to support their well-being.

The story of Kamal: a symbol of silent heroism

Among the countless migrant workers Mahir encountered, Kamal, a Bangladeshi taxi driver in Dubai, left a lasting impression. Kamal works grueling 14-hour shifts, sending most of his earnings back home to rebuild his flood-damaged house and fund his younger brother's education. "His story is one of perseverance, selflessness, and unwavering hope," Mahir said.

Despite his daily struggles, Kamal remains optimistic about creating a better future for his family. "He represents the countless silent heroes whose efforts often go unnoticed," Mahir added. Sharing these stories is central to Mahir's mission to humanise the plight of migrant workers.

He believes that recognising their sacrifices can foster greater empathy and drive collective action to improve their lives. "These individuals are not just labourers; they are dreamers, providers, and changemakers," he said.

Untapped potential and the need for greater investment in diverse sports

Mahir spoke candidly about the mindset of aspiring athletes in Bangladesh, highlighting a common issue where only one in a thousand truly believes they are good enough to succeed. "There's so much untapped potential, but many don't even realise what they're capable of," he said.

"There is certainly potential, as I know there are people who want to see Bangladesh progress and be represented on a global stage. Shamsuzzaman Arafat bhai, popularly known as Ironman Arafat, is a shining example of this. However, the reality is that facilities and coaching at the national level are severely lacking."

He went on to discuss the country's funding allocation for sports, pointing out the disparity. "In my opinion, nearly 70% of our sports budget is allocated to cricket, while a substantial portion of the remaining 30% goes towards football. This leaves very little for other sports like swimming, archery, or marathon running. If these sports were given even a modest amount of financial support, it could significantly aid their development and inspire young athletes to take them up."

Mahir also touched on the challenges for cycling in Dhaka. "Dhaka is not cyclist-friendly. There are no dedicated bike lanes, and the chaotic traffic makes it dangerous," he said. He advocated for improvements in infrastructure to foster cycling not only as a sport but also as a practical means of transport and exercise. "Even without the intent of producing professional athletes, fostering a cycling culture could bring numerous benefits.

Breaking financial barriers: sponsorship and beyond

One of the greatest challenges faced by athletes, particularly in endurance sports, is securing financial backing. Mahir shared insights into overcoming this hurdle, emphasising the importance of building a personal brand. "Sponsors are drawn to stories. Athletes need to leverage platforms like social media to showcase their journeys and connect with their audience. Athletes like Lionel Sanders and Lucy Charles-Barclay are prime examples of how an engaging online presence can lead to sponsorship deals.," he explained.

He encouraged athletes to explore local sponsorship opportunities, suggesting that small businesses can play a pivotal role in supporting grassroots talent. "You don't always need big multinational sponsors. Community-driven support can often be more impactful," he said.

Mahir also advocated for crowdfunding, citing its potential to help athletes fund their training and participation in global events. "It's about being proactive and resourceful. Don't hesitate to ask for help—it's part of the journey," he advised.

Looking to the future, Mahir hopes to establish initiatives that provide mentorship, resources, and infrastructure for aspiring athletes. "We need to nurture talent from the grassroots level, combining financial support with access to quality training facilities," he said.

Inspiring the next generation

At 36, Mahir is focused on inspiring the next generation of athletes and fitness enthusiasts. He envisions establishing a fitness institute dedicated to endurance sports, offering training and resources for people of all ages.

" At 36 years old, it's too late for me to consider competing professionally. My time has passed, though my passion remains strong. Over time, my ambitions have shifted, and what began as a dream has now become a cherished hobby, " he said.

" That said, I still hope to inspire the next generation to pursue their athletic dreams. I also dream of establishing a fitness institute where people from all walks of life can improve their physical health. It doesn't have to be about competing professionally; the focus would be on overall fitness and well-being. If more people engaged in physical activities, our country's average life expectancy could improve. Additionally, adopting a healthier lifestyle often leads to giving up harmful habits like smoking.