Sonia Akhter continues to dominate the pool, consistently winning gold medals. At the Max Group 33rd National Swimming Championships held at the Mirpur National Swimming Complex, Sonia competed in four individual events over the first two days and secured gold in each one. On the first day, she won three golds, including a relay event. The following day, she triumphed in the 200m individual medley and the 100m freestyle, making it five golds from five events. Sonia plans to compete in 12 events this year and aims to win gold in all of them.
Known in the swimming community as Tumpa, Sonia Akhter is now the most senior female swimmer in Bangladesh at the age of 30. Despite her age, she continues to excel in the women's category, consistently outperforming her rivals. This year, she participated in five events at the national swimming competition and won gold in all of them.
Sonia's journey in competitive swimming began before the National Swimming Senior Division was established in 2007. She first competed in national age-based swimming in 2003 at the Mirpur swimming complex. Over her 21-year swimming career, Sonia has amassed over 100 gold medals in national competitions. Her dedication and passion for the sport have been unwavering.
Sonia's love for swimming has kept her in the sport for many years. She joined BKSP as a child and left in 2010. She then spent three years with Bangladesh Ansar before joining the Bangladesh Navy in 2013, where she has received extensive support and facilities that have helped her achieve her success.
Sonia's husband, Asif Reza, is also a swimmer. The couple married in 2021. Asif, originally from Mirpur in Kushtia, has won several gold medals in national swimming competitions. This year, he participated in individual events at the National Swimming Championships, winning a bronze medal and a gold in the relay for the Navy. Being part of the Bangladesh Navy has been beneficial for both Sonia and Asif, allowing them to support each other in their training. They help each other improve by correcting mistakes and providing mutual encouragement. Their shared commitment to swimming has strengthened their personal and professional lives.
Asif's maternal uncle, Amirul Islam, a prominent coach in Bangladesh swimming and joint secretary of the Bangladesh Swimming Federation, played a significant role in Asif's development as a swimmer. Amirul's guidance and support have been instrumental in Asif's success.
Sonia and Asif first met in 2004 at an age group swimming competition in Bogra. Both later joined BKSP, where their relationship blossomed into love and eventually marriage. They are one of several swimming couples in Bangladesh, including notable pairs like Shahjahan Ali Roni and Mahfuza Khatun Sheela, both South Asian Games gold medalists.
Asif takes great pride in Sonia's achievements. The couple fulfilled their dream of competing together at the World Championships in 2022 in Australia, where they both became the fastest swimmers in the national competition. They aim to continue their streak of success and achieve even greater heights in the future.
