AHF Cup Squad: Chayan, Rana return

Defender Mamunur Rahman Chayan and midfielder Kamruzzaman Rana staged comebacks to the national hockey team when new German coach Oliver Kurtz picked an 18-member squad for the 5th Men's AHF Cup, scheduled for November 19-27 in Hong Kong.

Due to a lack of form, penalty corner specialist Chayan and midfielder Rana were dropped from the national squad during the South Asian Games earlier this year but were afforded a second chance as they performed well in domestic competitions as well as practice matches in Poland and Austria.

Kurtz seems to have pinned his hopes on the old guns, dropping some of the younger players such as Arshad Hossain, Naeem Islam and Emon who drew attention during the U-18 Asia Cup at home in September.

Meanwhile one of the selectors, seeking anonymity, stated that they have dropped four other off-form players – goalkeeper Ashim Gope, Krishna Kumar, Taposh Barman and Hasan Jubair Niloy – however, the German's coaching staff included those in question in the final squad.

And although the coach was not available to comment, team manager Ariful Islam Prince said Kurtz chose those players after evaluating their performances in Europe.

It has also come to surface that the federation appointed defender Imran Hasan Pintu as captain even though as it turns out, the coach's choice to lead the side was Rasel Mahmud Jimmy.  The team will fly out for Thailand tomorrow.