Bangladesh: Under-21 Challenge Cup Hockey kicks off today
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| Bangladesh |
September 29, 2004 
Independent's Internet Edition
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Bangladesh likely to play final with India
SPORTS REPORTER
The Under-21 Challenge Cup International Tournament will kick off today with an aim to develop the standard of hockey in the country.
Oman will face Afghanistan in the opener of the 5-nation tournament at BKSP ground at 9 am.
Bangladesh will encounter with Myanmar in another match on the opening day after the formal opening ceremony at Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium at 3.45 pm.
Barring India, three other foreign teams Myanmar, Oman and Afghanistan have already reached Dhaka and took part in warm-up matches. Favourites India are due to arrive in Dhaka today.
The Chief of Air Staff and President of Bangladesh Hockey Federation Air Vice Marshal M Fakhrul Azam hopes that the tournament would bear a positive impact on the development of the game.
Fakhrul Azam said this while addressing a press conference on Wednesday at Sonargaon Hotel. BHF general secretary Shamsul Bari also spoke on the occasion.
BHF vice-presidents Mirza Farid Ahmed Milu and Shaheen Mahmud, BHF general secretary Shamsul Bari BKSP Director General Brig Gen Mohammed Ali Mandal and tournament committee secretary Zahidur Rahman Pushkin were present.
"We have taken various steps to develop the game and the government is also actively helping us to regain the lost popularity of the game."
"There is no alternative but to organise different age groups U-21, U-16, U-14 tournaments from the grassroots to develop the game in a systematic way," said the BHF president.
Replying to a question Fakhrul Azam said though it was not possible to stage a full fledged international tournament at the present turf of Bhashani Hockey Stadium, but the present condition was not that worse to organise an Under-21 level tournament.
"We have already drawn the attention of the Sports Ministry and National Sports Council about the deteriorating condition of the turf and the State Minister for Youth and Sports has assured us of procuring a new synthetic turf within the current fiscal year."
BHF general secretary Bari told that necessary repairing work to the turfs have already been done as per instruction of Tournament Director Rana Mujahid of Pakistan. "We have worked for almost four hours on Tuesday evening to turn the astro turf to a playable one."
The BHF has prepared a budget of Taka 13.61 lakh to run the show and out of which Sadharan Bima and Jiban Bima corporations will provide Taka 10 lakh as sponsorship fees.
Replying to a question Bari said India are the better side in the meet although five of their Under-21 members are current touring Pakistan with the national team. He refrained from saying that whether Bangladesh would be able to beat India in the final. "Our team would give a better show and they are well prepared under the supervision of coach Qamar Ibrahim."
The five participating teams will play first in a round robin league system with the top two qualifying for the final.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Fazlur Rahman will inaugurate the tournament today at the Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium at 3.30 pm after a brief opening ceremony.
Renowned vocalist Asif will render his popular songs from 2 pm to entertain the fans, while students of BAF Shaheen School will present a 15-minute physical display from 3 pm.
Popular singers Dolly Saiontani, Ankhi Alamgir, Kaniz Subarna and Momtaz will present songs before the match respectively on October 1, 4, 6 and 7.
FIXTURE
Sept 30: Oman vs Afghanistan (9 am at BKSP; Bangladesh vs Myanmar (3.45 pm at Hockey Stadium).
Oct 1: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (Hockey Stadium at 3.30 pm); India vs Myanmar (BKSP at 3.30pm).
Oct 2: Rest Day
Oct 3: Afghanistan vs Myanmar (BKSP at 1.30 pm); India vs Oman (BKSP at 3.30 pm)
Oct 4: India vs Afghanistan (BKSP at 9am): Bangladesh vs Oman (Hockey Stadium at 3.30 pm)
Oct 5: Rest Day.
Oct 6: Oman vs Myanmar (BKSP at 9 am); Bangladesh vs India (Hockey Stadium at 3.30 pm).
Oct 7: 3rd position vs 4th position (BKSP at 9 am); Final at Hockey Stadium at 3 pm
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