Bangladesh's fastest man Imranur Rahman
Born and raised in England, sprinter Imranur Rahman returned to Bangladesh and participated in the national athletics competition for the army. He finished a 100-metre sprint in 10.50 seconds to become the fastest man in Bangladesh.
When many people are leaving the country, athlete Imranur Rahman has returned to Bangladesh from England. He participated in the national athletics competition for the army. He was born and raised in Sheffield city of England. But his parents are from Sylhet, Bangladesh. He became the fastest man of Bangladesh at his first contest on the track in the country. He finished a 100-metre sprint in 10.50 seconds breaking a 22-year-old record. Sprinter Imranur Rahman talked to this correspondent on Friday, 7 January before returning to his parents in England.
Q :
Currently, you are the fastest man of Bangladesh. It is certainly excitinh returning to your parents with this new tag.
It’s a great feeling. It seems I am someone special. My parents are very happy. Bangladeshis living in England are also proud of me.
Q :
Whose face did you think of before starting the race?
I only thought about my family. My parents and my wife give me inspiration. I also talked to my parents before running on the track.
Q :
Whom did you remember first after the 3 January sprint when you became Bangladesh’s fastest man?
It was the family. I was thrilled after finishing the sprint because I have proved myself in front of entire people of Bangladesh. I do not want to race in the local sprints only I also want to represent Bangladesh at the world stage. In particular, I am hopeful over winning the medal for Bangladesh in the South Asian Games.
Q :
You started with football, now you are an athlete. Do you think had you become a footballer you would have gained more fame?
I played football in childhood but never dreamed of being a footballer. I enjoyed football very much and I still do so.
Q :
Who are your inspirations?
I started my mission to become an athlete when I was 18 or 19 at the inspiration of a coach in Sheffield. I got support from my parents. My wife is also inspiring me. Otherwise, it would have difficult to continue on the track along with the accountant job.
Q :
Is anyone of your family involved in games?
No. I have two younger sisters. My father is a restaurateur in Sheffield and mother is a housewife.
Q :
Why did you come to Bangladesh from England?’
What I did not see in England I have found it in Bangladesh. I like the culture and society of Bangladesh.
Q :
Is there any favourite food that you do not eat for fitness concerns?
I like sweets. But it is not like that I eat sweeta whenever I wish. Many people in Bangladesh said they would treat me to biriyani but I resisted.
Q :
Who is you favourite athlete?
I enjoy football. Cristiano Ronaldo is my favourite player and Justin Gatlin in athletics.
Q :
You are 28 now. How long do you want to continue the sprint?
Till I am 34. I have to do something for Bangladesh. I dream to win medal in the South Asian Games.
This report appeared in the print and online edition of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten in English by Hasanul Banna