In a sport where Bangladeshi’s are rarer than viewing the Halley’s comet, one name stands out in the international youth groups, Jawad Bhuiyan. Coming as runners up in the ITF Asia U-14 Development Championships 2023, Jawad light up the tennis court, smacking their way through the group stage and knockouts, before bowing out to Pakistan at the end. Jawad’s excellent run marked the beginning of a fortuitous career for him, aiming to be greater than Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. Fortunately, the focal point in Jawad Bhuiyan’s career, being my friend. I got the opportunity to discuss about his journey with him.

Ilman Islam: Jawad Mohammad Bhuiyan, welcome to KhelboBD. It’s a great privilege to have you here. Let’s jump in right away. Who was the individual to introduce tennis to you?

Jawad Bhuiyan: Hello Ilman, lovely to sit down with you. My father was the one who introduced me to tennis. He was always passionate about the sport and wanted me to experience the discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking it instills. From my first time holding a racket, I was hooked. Over time, my love for the game grew, and now, it’s not just a sport—it’s my identity.

II: How do you manage international tournaments alongside a rigorous school curriculum?

JB: It’s all about discipline and smart time management. I prioritize my schedule, balancing training, travel, and academics with strict planning. During tournaments, I stay connected with my teachers, complete assignments in advance, and utilize travel time efficiently. It’s not easy, but when you love what you do, you find a way.

II: Tennis is one of the most hectic sports. How do you regulate your time management?

JB: Tennis demands both physical and mental endurance, so managing time efficiently is key. I stick to a structured routine—training in the morning, studies in the afternoon, and recovery sessions in between. Prioritizing rest and nutrition is equally important. I also use technology to track my workouts, matches, and academic deadlines to stay ahead.

II: Where must Bangladesh develop its resources to establish this sport?

JB: Bangladesh needs to invest in proper tennis infrastructure, from high-quality courts to professional coaching academies. We also need grassroots programs to make tennis accessible to young talent. Funding for international exposure is another major gap—players need to compete abroad to gain experience at the highest level.

II: Given your experience competing at the national level, to what extent are Bangladeshi athletes lagging behind their counterparts in other countries? Is this disparity widening?

JB: Bangladesh possesses a wealth of athletic talent, yet the absence of a comprehensive coaching structure, high-performance training facilities, and international exposure hinders our progress. While other nations have access to advanced sports science, nutrition, and competitive leagues, we are currently lagging behind. The disparity is widening due to the rapid evolution of tennis, and without adequate investment, we risk further falling behind. However, with the appropriate support, our players have the potential to compete on the global stage.

II: What is your greatest tennis experience representing Bangladesh?

JB: My greatest experience was representing Bangladesh at the Davis Cup. Walking onto the court with my country’s flag on my chest was an indescribable feeling. The intensity, the crowd, and the pride of competing for my nation made it a moment I’ll never forget.

II: What advice would you give to promising tennis athletes aiming to represent Bangladesh?

JB: Stay committed, work harder than everyone else, and never settle. Train smart, focus on fitness, and seek international exposure whenever possible. Tennis is a mental battle as much as a physical one—so believe in yourself, embrace setbacks, and always push forward. Most importantly, play for the love of the game. If you stay dedicated, Bangladesh will be proud to have you represent it.

II: Jawad, it was an immense honor having you here and talking to KhelboBD. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors and we hope you will be the first one to bring a grand slam for this nation. Thanks a lot.