The Junior Women's and Men's Hockey Asia Cup is set to take place in Oman soon, acting as a qualifier for the Junior World Cup. Both the Bangladesh women's and men's teams are determined to secure their spots in the global tournament.
The Bangladesh men's youth team will depart for Oman on Saturday, followed by the women's team on 3 December. Both teams participated in a photo session with the executive committee of the federation at Falcon Hall in the capital on Wednesday.
The President of the Hockey Federation and Chief of the Bangladesh Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, encouraged the players to maintain discipline and give their best for the country, assuring them of the nation's support. Maududur Rahman Shuvo, a former national player and current BKSP coach, leads the Under-21 men's team. The top six teams from Asia, including hosts India, will qualify for the Junior World Cup. Shuvo is optimistic about Bangladesh's prospects, aiming for a third-place finish in their group to ensure World Cup qualification.
Bangladesh's group includes hosts Oman, Pakistan, China, and Malaysia. While Pakistan and Malaysia are the favourites, Bangladesh is focusing on defeating the other two teams. Shuvo believes that despite China's recent improvements, Bangladesh has the ability to overcome them, and they have previously defeated Oman.
After winning the Junior AHF Cup in Singapore, Bangladesh earned their place in the Asia Cup. Despite the change in coaching staff, Shuvo does not feel additional pressure, as all the players are from BKSP, where he also coaches, ensuring a strong understanding and analysis of their abilities.
Similarly, the women's team is under the guidance of BKSP coach and former national player Raju. He mentioned that the team has been training for nearly three months, although they have not had the chance to play practice matches against foreign teams. Five teams from the women's group will qualify for the World Cup, and they are determined to secure their place.
Arpita Pal, the captain of the Bangladesh Under-21 women's hockey team, was the top scorer and several times the best player in the Junior AHF Cup in Singapore. She is eager to deliver her best performance in Oman to help her team succeed.
