Hamza bags top honours at Kool-BSPA Sports Award 2025

Footballer Hamza Choudhury stole the spotlight at the Kool-BSPA Sports Award 2025, claiming three major accolades, including the coveted Sportsperson of the Year and Popular Choice Award, during a glittering ceremony at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka on Friday.

Hamza edged out women’s footballer Ritu Porna Chakma and hockey star Amirul Islam to clinch the Sportsperson of the Year title. He also triumphed in the Popular Choice Award, which was decided through online voting by fans, overcoming the same duo along with cricketer Tanzid Tamim.

Adding to his haul, Hamza was jointly named Footballer of the Year alongside Ritu Porna, completing a memorable treble.

“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. Inshallah, we will continue to achieve great things for Bangladesh in the days to come,” Hamza, who was not present during the ceremony, said in a video message.

The event was presided over by BSPA president Rejwan Uz Zaman Rajib, with State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque attending as chief guest. Malik Mohammed Sayeed, CEO of Square Toiletries Limited, was present as guest of honour.

State Minister Aminul Haque remarked, “The BSPA Sports Award has been taking place for a long time. As a footballer, I have always been invited. Now, as the Sports Minister, being invited again is a recognition of achievement for our sports.”

BSPA president Rajib highlighted plans to establish a Sports Journalists’ Institute to further strengthen sports journalism in Bangladesh.

A total of 15 current and former athletes, organisers, and organisations were recognised across 16 categories, with cash prizes awarded alongside the prestigious trophies. This year marks the 11th consecutive edition of the awards sponsored by Kool, a flagship brand of Square Toiletries Limited.

The awards drew hundreds of athletes, coaches, administrators, and organisers to celebrate excellence in Bangladeshi sports.

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 List of Winners

Sportsperson of the Year: Hamza Choudhury (Football)

Popular Choice Award: Hamza Choudhury (Football)

Footballer of the Year: Hamza Choudhury & Ritu Porna Chakma

Cricketer of the Year: Rishad Hossain

Hockey Player of the Year: Amirul Islam

Archer of the Year: Abdur Rahman Alif

Table Tennis Player of the Year: Khoi Khoi Sai Marma

Badminton Player of the Year: Al-Amin Jumar

Emerging Athlete: Ripon Mondol (Cricket)

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

Best Umpire: Selim Lucky (Hockey)

Best Organiser: Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapal (Archery)

Grassroots Sports Personality: Alamgir Kabir (Cricket Coach)

Special Recognition Award: Shahnaz Parvin Maleka (Kabaddi Coach)

Best Sponsor: Prime Bank PLC

Active Federation: Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation