Dhaka: Nando’s, an international food chain in Bangladesh by MGH Restaurants (MRPL), honoured weightlifter Mabia Akhter Simanta on Monday for winning the first gold medal for Bangladesh in the 12th South Asian Games in Guwahati last month.  

Associate Director of MRPL Mohith-ul-Bari honoured Mabia with crest and certificate at their Gulshan outlet, on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2016 with theme of ‘Pledge for Parity’.

Mabia Akhter Simanta, who won first international gold medal in the youth section of Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship in June, India, last year, earned the laurel for Bangladesh by clinching the first gold medal in 63 kgs weight category of the last month’s 12th SA Games.

Country’s celebrated weight lifter and Mabia’s coach Bidut Kumar Roy and other Nando’s officials were present on the occasion.

Addressing the reception, Mabia said, ‘We initially faced a lot of problems and obstacle to start career as sportsmen, but we came out successful overcoming all sort barriers and myself and Shila Apa proved that we can also do something for the country. My sweet dream is to participate in this year’s Olympic Games in Rio (Brazil), and I think we have to start the training camp from now just without any delay.’

Mabia’s gold win takes a strong step in helping women and girls to accomplish their ambitions, to attain a non-biased gender leadership, and to respect and value differences.  

Mohith ul Bari said ‘Weightlifting is mostly known as a sport for men, especially in Bangladesh. This achievement will stand as milestone in meeting the gap that heavily remains in gender parity.  

We feel that this year International Women’s Day is the perfect platform to represent Mabia’s success as it completely aligns with the day’s theme Pledge for Parity.’