Success after success—both at home and abroad. For high jumper Mahfuzur Rahman, national podium finishes had become almost routine. Yet despite his consistent record and remarkable achievements, the Bangladesh Navy athlete has been repeatedly overlooked for international selection—a continued neglect that has left him disheartened and ultimately driven him to step away from representing Bangladesh internationally.

Since joining the Bangladesh Navy in 2018, Mahfuz has dominated domestic competitions, winning 14 consecutive gold medals—a unique national record in high jump. He remains Bangladesh’s first and only silver medallist in the high jump at the South Asian Games, while also earning a bronze medal at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships last year. Most recently, he secured another podium finish at the 17th National Summer Athletics Championships.

Despite this exceptional record, Mahfuz was left out of the squads for the upcoming SAFF Athletics and Islamic Games. The Bangladesh Athletics Federation’s recently announced 20-member national team did not include his name—an omission that left him questioning his motivation and future in the sport.

Speaking to The Daily Sun on Sunday, Mahfuz explained his frustration and decision to limit his participation to domestic competitions only.

“I’ve achieved success at the international level, yet I’ve been overlooked for the SAFF Athletics and Islamic Games. How am I supposed to stay motivated in such a situation? That’s why I’ve decided to continue competing only in domestic events for my organisation. I’m no longer interested in representing Bangladesh internationally,” he said.

His comments followed a social media post on Saturday, where he officially announced his withdrawal from international competitions.

“I’m stepping away from all kinds of international competitions. The role of certain individuals within the Bangladesh Athletics Federation is enough to break an athlete’s spirit and morality,” he wrote.

Mahfuz clarified that his decision stemmed not from anger but from long-standing frustration over being repeatedly ignored despite consistent performances.

“This decision came from deep frustration, not personal anger. I’ve been consistently performing and winning medals, yet I’m repeatedly ignored for international events. I just want to know—where am I lacking? What should I improve to make the team?” he asked.

A few weeks ago, the federation finalised its 20-member squad for the South Asian Games, and once again, Mahfuz’s name was missing. The Bangladesh Navy lodged a formal complaint regarding his exclusion, but the federation has not responded. Alongside Mahfuz, thrower Golam Sarowar and triple jumper Ratan Mridha were also omitted from the list.

For Mahfuz—one of the most consistent and decorated athletes in the country’s recent athletics history—the continued disregard from selectors has been both puzzling and painful.

Still, he has not completely ruled out a return, should the federation be willing to engage with him.

“If the federation wants to talk, I’m ready. If they point out my weaknesses, I’ll work on them. I’ve won medals for the country both at home and abroad, yet I keep getting left out of the list. I deserve to know why,” he said.