Sazzad & Minhaz

Background

Sazzad Ghanem and Omor Faruk Minhaz are pioneering parkour athletes from Chittagong, Bangladesh. Sazzad was born on January 18, 2002, and Minhaz on December 7, 2003. Both grew up in the Kazir Deuri area of Chittagong, developing an early interest in physical activities and parkour. Despite facing familial and societal challenges, their passion for parkour remained undeterred.

Early Life and Introduction to Parkour

Sazzad and Minhaz were inspired by cartoons like Ninja Hattori and started practicing parkour by watching YouTube tutorials. They began training in their local neighborhoods, gradually increasing their proficiency despite the lack of formal training facilities in Bangladesh. Initially, they practiced by jumping on flat surfaces and beds to build flexibility and stamina.

Pioneering Parkour in Bangladesh

Realizing the potential of parkour in Bangladesh, Sazzad and Minhaz became the first to represent the art of parkour in the country. They represented parkour by uploading videos on Facebook and YouTube, which attracted more enthusiasts. Their efforts have significantly contributed to the growth and popularity of parkour in Bangladesh.

Challenges and Achievements

Sazzad and Minhaz faced considerable opposition from their families and community. Many perceived parkour as dangerous and unnecessary. However, their determination led them to establish an online presence, where their parkour videos gained substantial attention. Their video titled "Sazzad and Minhaz" went viral, garnering 1.8 million views overnight, which brought them national recognition.

Media Coverage and Public Recognition

Sazzad and Minhaz have been featured in various national media outlets. In a 2022 interview with Daily Provaati, they discussed their aspirations to represent Bangladesh in international parkour competitions. They have also been covered by The Business Standard, highlighting their journey and dedication to parkour.

International Recognition

One of their most significant achievements was gaining attention from Indian media. Their remarkable skills and inspiring journey were highlighted in an Indian media reaction video, which has further boosted their popularity and recognition. This coverage can be viewed here.