Bangladesh ‘eager to cash in’ after late lifeline
Initially ineligible for the 2025 AHF Men's Asia Cup after finishing third in April's AHF Cup in Indonesia, the Bangladesh men's hockey team suddenly found themselves on the tournament roster. Pakistan's withdrawal just ten days before the August 28 start in Bihar, India opened the door for the red and green.
Despite the late call-up, the team's determination was already evident. At the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium yesterday, shadows stretched across the blue turf as a few floodlights from the National Stadium flickered on, yet the players pressed on, practising penalty corner conversions with utmost focus.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Anticipating the possibility of such an opportunity, the Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) had already organised a 12-day fitness camp in July. The second phase of training began on August 10, blending preparation for the Asia Cup with the upcoming SA Games, ensuring the team could make the most of this unexpected chance.
"Actually, the players started the second-phase training cheerfully, by settling their minds to play the Asia Cup," head coach Moshiur Rahman Biplob told The Daily Star after yesterday's training.
"They have also been giving extra effort in the training since it started last week. So, they knew that the opportunity would come. Now they are eager to take part in the tournament and want to cash in on the opportunity."
Despite this, the team enter the tournament with less preparation than usual, raising concerns over fitness. Most players are from services teams, who focus on game skills rather than conditioning. A fitness test conducted yesterday confirmed that the squad has not yet reached the required physical standards, though the coaches are emphasising penalty corner conversions.
"If you don't have proper preparation, it is tough to survive in a big tournament. But mental readiness can help the team play with a fighting spirit," added the former national defender, who was the assistant coach during Bangladesh' AHF Cup campaign in Indonesia.
Of the 26-member preliminary squad, 10 are from the U-21 team preparing for November's FIH Junior World Cup, with four already experienced at the senior level. The 20-member final squad is expected to be announced today.
BHF general secretary Lt Col (Rtd) Riazul Hasan informed the federation expects government approval to travel to India and plans to apply for visas today, with the team set to fly to Kolkata on August 26.
For now, time is short but the stakes are high as the red and green chase glory on borrowed hours.
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