by Ro Maung Shwe
The Rohingya Football League 2025 2026 has emerged as a community based initiative aimed at promoting peace, unity, and positive engagement among Rohingya youth living in the refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar. Organizers and community members say the league is more than a sporting competition, serving instead as a platform for social cohesion, mental well being, and resilience amid prolonged displacement.
The league is being organized under the United Council of Rohingya in coordination with the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner and with support from humanitarian partners including the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, TIKA, and Turkish Red Crescent.
Background and continuity
The Rohingya Football League has been held annually since 2023, previously organized by the Arakan Rohingya Football Federation as part of broader efforts to engage Rohingya youth in structured and constructive activities.
For the 2025 2026 season, organizational responsibility has shifted to the United Council of Rohingya. Organizers say the transition is intended to ensure wider coordination and institutional collaboration while preserving the league’s original vision and objectives.
The first match of the current season was scheduled for 14 January 2026, marking the start of a new cycle of competition and community engagement.
Teams and symbolic ties to home
The tournament features 16 football teams representing different camps and Rohingya communities. The teams are divided into four groups to ensure broad participation and balanced competition.
Participating teams include Bandola Football Team, Fokira Bazar Naymray 1 Football Club, Shaheb Bazar Naymray 2 Football Club, Taung Pyo Naymray 3 Football Club, Boli Bazar Football Association Naymray 4, Nakkura Naymray 5 Football Team, Kyaw Hlay Kha Naymray 6 Football Club, Seddar Fara Football Team, Italia Football Team, Hashuratha Football Team, Merullah Football Team, Inn Din Football Team, Thing Gana Football Club, Mee Kyoung Zay Football Club, Taung Bazar Football Club, and Rathe Daung Football Club.
Organizers noted that many teams are named after towns and villages in Arakan State, reflecting the Rohingya community’s emotional connection to their homeland and their continued hope for safe, voluntary, and dignified return.
Objectives beyond sport
According to organizers and humanitarian partners, the league seeks to address social and psychological challenges faced by Rohingya youth by providing a peaceful and structured environment.
The initiative aims to help reduce stress linked to displacement, promote cooperation across camps, encourage discipline, teamwork, leadership, and mutual respect, and reduce vulnerability to harmful practices such as drug abuse, gambling, violence, child marriage, and human trafficking.
Humanitarian actors working in the camps say the lack of positive engagement opportunities places young people at greater risk, and that sports initiatives like the football league can provide a constructive alternative.
Organization and match structure
Matches are being held according to a structured schedule across two football fields located in Camp 13 and Camp 4. The tournament follows a progression from group stages to quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final match.
Organizers said arrangements have been made for refereeing, venue management, and crowd control to ensure safety, fairness, and inclusivity throughout the competition.
Community impact and social commitment
The Rohingya Football League continues to attract large audiences from across the camps. Families, elders, youth, and community leaders attend matches, creating what residents describe as a rare atmosphere of joy, unity, and shared purpose.
Organizers said the previous season concluded without reported incidents despite large crowds, which they described as evidence of strong community organization and respect for peaceful coexistence.
At the end of the last season, participating players collectively pledged to reject child marriage, human trafficking, drug abuse, gambling, and other harmful or unlawful activities. Organizers said they hope players will act as role models and encourage positive behavior across the wider community.
Looking ahead
Organizers say the Rohingya Football League 2025 2026 is intended to further strengthen solidarity and social cohesion among Rohingya communities. Beyond recreation, they describe the league as an expression of resilience and determination to build positive futures despite displacement and uncertainty.
Community leaders and humanitarian partners said continued support and inclusive participation will be essential to sustaining the initiative and empowering Rohingya youth as agents of peace and positive change.
