Bangladesh

Three countries have confirmed their participation in the Under-18 Hockey tournament scheduled to be held in August this year, Bangladesh Hockey Federation told New Age on Thursday. The initiative has been taken after the success of Bangladesh hockey team at the age-group level tournaments.

Bangladesh under-21 hockey team became champion last year beating a strong India side and now it will be a good test for the under-18 team to prove their prowess.

Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan will organise the tournament, to be held on August 5-13, informed the

BHF general secretary, Shamsul Bari.

The nine-day meet is likely to be titled BKSP Cup Under-18 International Hockey tournament.

Already three countries – Myanmar, Sri Lanka and India – have confirmed their participation in the tournament.

India may send two teams while the BKSP and the BHF are likely to assemble two separate teams. Pakistan is yet to confirm their appearance in the meet.

A 27-member Myanmar hockey team comprising 21 players and six officials have already arrived in Dhaka for a two-month long training at the BKSP as part of the Sports

and Cultural Exchange Programme between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the BHF has started a preliminary camp with 37 players for the purpose. The team is missing the services of national coach, Qamar Ibrahim of Pakistan, who delayed his arrival citing his father’s illness. However, the fitness adviser, Ershad, is likely to reach Dhaka on June 28.

The BHF officials are not happy with Qamar as he is not sincere in discharging his duties as a coach. Sometimes he informs of visa problems and that’s why the BHF is trying to get a multiple visa for him to secure his services.

Against all odds, the BHF general secretary is hopeful of forming a strong team and gain success in the upcoming tournament.

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