When passion outshone the numbers

The scoreline of the BRAC Bank Oporajeo Alo Women's Hockey Tournament final suggested a one-sided affair, but the competition itself revealed a much richer story about the state and spirit of women's hockey in Bangladesh.

Favourites BKSP thrashed Zone-2 -- a team formed by girls from Dhaka and Mymensingh -- 8-0 at the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium on Saturday. Yet the tournament was less about the margin of victory and more about the perseverance of girls from across the country who displayed their love for the sport despite limited opportunities.

Much like the men's game, women's hockey in Bangladesh largely depends on BKSP players. However, the participation of more than 350 players from 18 districts was widely viewed as a possible foundation for the future of the women's game, with teams such as Sylhet showing notable enthusiasm.

The story of the Sylhet girls captured the essence of the tournament. They were first introduced to hockey using the curved handles of umbrellas, holding the shafts to learn how to control the ball. Only later did the Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) provide them with 18 proper hockey sticks.

From training with umbrella handles to seeing two of their players -- Prima Begum and Nuri Akter -- reach the final phase was a testament to their adaptability and eagerness to learn. The tournament began with zonal rounds, where 18 districts were divided into four zones. Each zone sent one team, formed by the best players, to the final phase in Dhaka. BKSP, who train year-round on artificial turf under FIH-certified coaches, entered the final phase directly as the fifth team.

Although the final scoreline was unflattering, the runners-up were not completely outmatched. Despite the absence of proper facilities and regular competition, they showed encouraging signs by moving the ball well, producing a few neat passes, carrying the ball at pace and even penetrating BKSP's attacking third. Ultimately, the lack of skill, fitness and experience proved decisive.

Their effort was reflected in the individual awards. Best player of the final Fardiya Akter Ratri, best goalkeeper Mohua and rising star Apurbo Akter all came from outside BKSP. Meanwhile, BKSP's Arpita Pal and Airin Akter Riya emerged as the tournament's top scorer and best player, respectively.

"It is really challenging for girls from outside BKSP because we play on grass and it is tough to adjust to artificial turf," said Ratri, younger sister of national forward Rakibul Hasan Rocky, adding that the final phase would have been more competitive had BKSP players been distributed among the teams.

"I sat idle most of the year and only came into action during the tournament," said Apurbo. "If we are given training throughout the year, we can improve more. I want to represent the national team."

Airin also acknowledged that non-BKSP players lag behind in experience as BKSP players regularly play international tournaments.

So far, 25 players have been selected from the event for advanced training starting in mid-January, while the federation is considering launching a national camp in March ahead of the Asian Games qualifiers. With BRAC Bank CEO and MD Tareq Refat Ullah Khan promising continued support for women's hockey and BHF eager to take initiatives, the tournament that began with umbrella handles may yet prove to be the first step toward a stronger future.