As the world celebrates International Women’s Day today under the campaign ‘Give To Gain’, Bangladesh’s legendary table tennis player Zobera Rahman Linu is delighted to mark the occasion as a milestone after being nominated for the Independence Awards 2026, in recognition of her contributions to the field of sports.
Linu was overjoyed upon hearing the news of her selection for the country’s highest civilian honour and believes that the recognition brings greater responsibility.
‘I had received sports awards before, but this is the Independence Award – the highest civilian honour. Yes, it’s a great honour for me,’ said Linu, who is currently in New Zealand on a family visit.
‘I am thinking, what more can I do? But I was never invited to any function of the TT Federation since I left the federation 12 years ago. I was so hurt. I don’t know who will call me now,’ Linu said.
‘You know very well what kind of dirty politics goes on in our sports. And do you think everyone is happy over my winning this award? I don’t think so. Some people will always be negative. Now, if someone calls and I feel it would be respectful for me, I’ll consider it.’
Linu, who previously received the National Sports Award in 1999, believes there must be a mental shift among men in the patriarchal society.
‘Formal education alone is not enough to change the scenario. Textbook-based education doesn’t ensure progressive learning. I have seen many men in Bangladesh who hold very high positions, but they come home and treat their wives like slaves or objects of torture. That shouldn’t be. Men must change their thinking; there must be a mental shift,’ said Linu.
‘In terms of female representation as organisers, they must be given those roles. If a man believes he will not allow a woman to shine above him, character assassination is the first technique used against her.’
Born in Kaptai, Rangamati, in 1965, Linu started her competitive career at the age of eight and won the first national TT championship in 1977.
She holds a title record of 16 consecutive times from 1979 to 2001 and was included in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2002 in recognition of her extraordinary achievement.
She also achieved success internationally, finishing fifth in the Asian TT Championship in 1980 and as a runner-up in the mixed doubles at the Pentangular Championship in India in 1982.
Linu represented Bangladesh at the World TT Championships organised by the International Table Tennis Federation in 1977 and 2000.
‘I was essentially driven out of table tennis. I dedicated my childhood, adolescence, and youth to the sport. I didn’t even marry because of my devotion to the game,’ she said.
She is not only concerned about women’s safety in sports but also aims to address the broader issues of women’s rights within society. She is committed to working towards changing social perceptions about women and their roles.
From her lifelong observations, Linu finds that women are also partly responsible for pushing themselves into insecurity and suffering.
‘In the case of sports, I feel our environment isn’t as safe as it should be... We don’t see the right people in the right positions. Female athletes’ security must be assured by federation organisers, who must enforce strict disciplinary measures,’ she suggested.
‘Male and female athletes should also be aware of their limitations. And organisers and officials must implement strict measures—be it punishment or expulsion,’ she continued.
After ending her playing career, she served in various sports organisations—she was general secretary of the TT Federation, vice-president of the Cycling Federation, and chair of the Athletes’ Commission of the Bangladesh Olympic Association.
