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Interview

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Confidence, Consistency and Commitment : The Journey behind a Champion  

Fresh from his triumph at the CAS Cup Professional Golf Tournament, Bangladesh\'s leading professional golfer Jamal Hossain continues to cement his place among the country\'s finest players. In this exclusive interview with Golf & Beyond, he reflects on his latest victory, the mindset behind his consistent performances, the challenges he has overcome throughout his career, and his ambitions of competing on golf\'s biggest international stages.

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A New Star in Bangladesh Golf: Syed Mahdi Mahbeer Shanto’s Historic Victory

Bangladesh golf continues to uncover promising young talents, and one of the brightest emerging names is Syed Mahdi Mahbeer Shanto. At just twelve years old, he has already achieved a remarkable milestone. At the prestigious Faldo Series Asia held at Royal Colombo Golf Club, Shanto became champion in the Boys 11–12 category, finishing with an impressive ten-under-par score. This victory is not only a personal success but also a historic achievement for Bangladesh junior golf. With this win, Shanto has qualified for the Faldo Futures Grand Final at The Belfry in 2026, where top young golfers from around the world will compete. In this interview, he shares his emotions, preparation, and future ambitions.

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From Caddie to Champion: The Inspiring Journey of Dulal Hossain

In the quiet corners of Kurmitola Golf Club, many young boys once watched golfers from a distance, carrying bags and collecting balls. Among them was Dulal Hossain, a boy from a humble background whose life would eventually become one of the most inspiring stories in Bangladesh golf. Beginning his journey as a ball-boy at the age of nine and later working as a caddie, Dulal’s path to professional golf was far from easy. Yet through perseverance, discipline, and an unshakeable love for the game, he rose to represent Bangladesh on the international stage. His gold medal at the 2010 South Asian Games remains one of the defining moments of his career. Today, Dulal Hossain stands not only as a professional golfer but also as a symbol of hope for many young players who dream of transforming adversity into achievement. In this interview, he reflects on his remarkable journey, the lessons he learned along the way, and his hopes for the next generation of Bangladeshi golfers.

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Reflections by Malaysia’s High Commissioner

Golf has long been more than a sport—it serves as a quiet bridge between people, ideas, and nations. In an exclusive conversation with Golf & Beyond held in Dhaka on 7 April 2026, H.E. Mohd Shuhada Othman, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh, shared how golf supports diplomacy, strengthens professional relationships, and opens avenues for Malaysia–Bangladesh collaboration. Diplomacy is a demanding profession. While asking the envoy how golf helps him maintain balance, clarity, and perspective in his professional and personal life, he replied: \"Diplomacy demands constant attention, judgment, and balance. Golf offers me a space to reflect, recharge, and maintain perspective. Walking the course teaches patience, humility, and focus—qualities that are equally essential in diplomatic service. In many ways, golf keeps me grounded, both professionally and personally.\"

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Driving Japan-Bangladesh Ties Forward

Guiding one of Asia’s most vital diplomatic partnerships, H.E. Ambassador Saida Shinichi represents Japan in Bangladesh with a focus on shared growth and cultural synergy. Stationed in Dhaka since January 2025, Ambassador Saida brings decades of diplomatic expertise to a relationship spanning infrastructure, trade, and people-to-people bonds. Over the past half-century, Japan and Bangladesh have nurtured a friendship built on trust and development, with Japan becoming Bangladesh’s largest bilateral development partner in areas ranging from metros to education. Mr Md Zahirul Islam, Editor, and Mr Md Nasimul Hoq Majumder of Golf & Beyond sat down with him to discuss Japan’s vision for Bangladesh’s future — and the unexpected role of golf in diplomacy — in an open, engaging conversation.

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Fairways of Friendship: A Round of Golf and Dialogue with Mr. Heru

By the Editor, Golf and Beyond | July 6, 2025 The sun was soft over Kurmitola’s fairway as we teed off one crisp morning. I had the honor of sharing the green with a distinguished friend—Mr. Heru Hartanto Subolo, former Indonesian Ambassador to Bangladesh and a key figure behind facilitating Indonesian high-level visits and delegations today. But beyond the game, our conversation unfolded into a rich and revealing exchange about diplomacy, trade, and the investment climate between our two nations.

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Diplomacy on the Fairway

Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen is the Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh, appointed on 3 October 2024. Born on 15 March 1969 in Halden, Norway, he holds a law degree (cand.jur.) from the University of Tromsø. He joined the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1997, with diplomatic postings in Damascus (1999–2002) and Pretoria (2006–2007). In 2007, he was appointed State Secretary for International Development. As Ambassador to Bangladesh, he focuses on democracy, human rights, women’s empowerment, climate action, and trade. Norway and Bangladesh have shared diplomatic relations since 1972, with cooperation in development, Rohingya humanitarian support, renewable energy, and education.

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Golf, Diplomacy, and the Art of Patience

March 8th, 2025 Saturday morning was pre-scheduled for a round of golf with H.E. André Carstens, Ambassador of the Netherlands, at Kurmitola Golf Club with the Editor Md. Zahirul Islam of Golf and beyond magazine. Under the crisp morning sky, the Ambassador arrived with a warm smile, ready to take on the course. A relatively new golfer, he has already embraced the sport with enthusiasm, finding parallels between golf and diplomacy—both requiring patience, strategy, and resilience. In this exclusive interview, he shares his journey into golf, its impact on his professional life, and how the sport helps bridge cultural and diplomatic gaps.

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