Bangladesh junior hockey team set for historic world cup debut

Bangladesh's Under-21 hockey team is set to make history today, playing a first-ever hockey world cup match at any level as they take on heavyweights Australia in Group F in Chennai on Saturday. 

The young boys in red and green, who reached India 10 days ago for the 24-team tournament, thrashed Switzerland 5-2 in their final warmup match at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday.  

Their superb build-up included an earlier 3–0 win over Chile – giving them two consecutive victories just days before the global showpiece began on Friday.

Drag-flicker Amirul Islam led the charge in the Swiss match, netting a brace. Supporting goals came from Huzaifa Hossain, Rakibul Hasan Rocky and Obaidul Islam. 

Bangladesh have been drawn into Group F, alongside hockey-heavyweights Australia, South Korea and France. The match against Australia will be a steep challenge, but also an opportunity to announce their arrival on the world stage. 

Bangladesh's team management said the focus ahead of the opener is simple: "give our best, play with confidence," rather than chase unrealistic expectations. 

The tournament's opening day, meanwhile, offered a taste of what's to come: high-scoring thrillers and commanding wins from several sides, setting a fast, aggressive tone at the start of the competition. Germany beat South Africa 4-0, Ireland edged Canada 4-3, Argentina thrashed Japan 4-1, Spain blanked Egypt 8-0, New Zealand edged China 5-3, Belgium mauled Namibia 12-1, Switzerland beat Oman 4-0 and India brushed aside Chile 7-0.