Marjan Akter Monika, a squash coach at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), has made history by becoming the first Bangladeshi female to earn a Level 2 coaching certification from the World Squash Federation (WSF). She achieved this milestone after completing a six-day training programme in Dhaka.

The WSF Level 2 certification is an intermediate-level qualification designed to advance coaching skills beyond basic instruction. It is intended for coaches with prior experience, enabling them to work with developing and competitive players while progressing to higher coaching standards.

The training, known as the “WSF Level 2 Squash Coaching Course 2026”, took place from 20 to 26 April at various venues across Dhaka, including IUB’s squash courts. It was hosted by IUB’s Division of Student Activities in collaboration with the Bangladesh Squash Rackets Federation.

Coaches from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Hong Kong participated in the programme, which focused on enhancing professional coaching capabilities through structured training. Sessions included coaching techniques, match analysis, physical conditioning, and rules, with both practical and classroom-based instruction.

The course concluded on 26 April at the Army Squash Complex in Dhaka, with State Minister for Youth and Sports, Md Aminul Haque, presenting certificates to the participants.

The programme was inaugurated on 20 April at IUB by Vice-Chancellor Professor M Tamim, with Bangladesh Squash Rackets Federation General Secretary Brigadier General Quamrul Islam (retd) and other officials also in attendance.

The course was led by World Squash Federation Lead Tutor Major S Maniam from Malaysia, with Fazle Wali Ahmed serving as the assistant tutor.

Organisers have expressed their commitment to future initiatives aimed at building certified coaching capacity and raising the standards of squash training through international collaboration.