by Hafizur Rahman
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh | December 1, 2025
A lively and unexpected celebration unfolded on Monday morning at the football field of Camp 1 West in the IOM compound, where Rohingya Refugee FC won all matches in a friendly sports tournament against UNHCR staff. The event was organised by UNHCR Bangladesh and ActionAid Bangladesh as part of the global Sixteen Days of Activism and Sports for Protection campaign.
Residents gathered around the field from the first whistle. For many, the atmosphere felt different from the usual rhythm of camp life. By mid morning, cheering voices and the sound of bouncing balls filled the air as teams in blue and red began the competition.
The tournament opened with volleyball, where the Rohingya youth demonstrated their regular practice and quick movement. One resident watching from the sideline said the boys play most afternoons near their block, and that the consistency showed in every serve.
The chinlone match drew even more excitement. Rohingya players controlled the rattan ball with fluid footwork while UNHCR staff joined the game with humour and enthusiasm. Several staff members later joked that they realised the challenge as soon as the chinlone rose into the air.
The football match drew the largest crowd. Children climbed bamboo fences and chairs to get a better view, shouting each time the Rohingya players pushed forward. The UNHCR team attempted to keep pace, but the Rohingya side, accustomed to playing on uneven camp grounds for years, moved with confidence. Refugee FC scored comfortably, completing a clean sweep of all three events.
Despite losing every match, UNHCR staff described the day as uplifting. Players and organisers exchanged smiles, handshakes and laughter. One staff member said they may have lost the games, but the community gained something more meaningful, referring to the sense of joy and connection across the field.
By late afternoon, the field remained full of excitement. Children continued re enacting their favourite moments, and parents spoke proudly of the youth who represented their blocks. Organisers from the Inter Sector Coordination Group and partner agencies said the event demonstrated how sports can support wellbeing and strengthen relationships between humanitarian workers and camp residents.
UNHCR later posted on social media that anyone planning to challenge Rohingya youth in chinlone, volleyball or football should think carefully, because the players do not simply participate, they excel.
