Bangladesh women’s national football team are acclimatising to Sydney’s ‘extreme’ summer heat as they continue preparations for their maiden appearance at the Asian Cup finals.
Newcomer forward Alpi Akter admitted the conditions have been challenging but said the squad is adjusting. “It’s very hot here. It’s not much hot in Bangladesh so far but it’s extreme heat here. We are adapting at the moment,” she said. “We are having very good practice sessions here. We are training well with the senior players.”
Alpi earned her first senior national team call-up after an outstanding showing for the Bangladesh U-19 side at the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship 2026 in Nepal earlier this month. She netted seven goals in four matches, including two hat-tricks, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer and best player.
“It was my long desire to train with the national team and play. My wish has fulfilled. I feel very well,” she added about joining the senior camp.
Another debutant, Sweden-based winger Anika Rania Siddique, echoed similar sentiments a day earlier, saying: “It’s very hot but we are getting used to it. It’s getting better every day.”
In a statement on Monday, the Bangladesh Football Federation said the squad successfully completed their fourth training session at Valentine Sports Park (Field 4) as part of their Sydney camp. The federation noted that the coaching staff placed special emphasis on tactical organisation, compact defending and quick attacking transitions.
“The intensity and discipline displayed on the pitch reflected the team’s growing confidence and tactical understanding. Communication and coordination among the units continue to improve with each session,” the statement said, adding that structured recovery measures such as ice baths and gym-based strength work are helping players cope with the demanding workload and weather conditions.
Team morale remains high as the Tigresses build towards the tournament, where they will compete in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 for the first time in their history.
The 12-team competition will be held in Australia from March 1 to 21, with teams divided into three groups. Bangladesh have been drawn in Group B alongside reigning champions China, three-time winners North Korea and Uzbekistan.
