Bangladesh hockey scene is set for a momentous occasion as both the men's and women's junior teams prepare to embark on a historic journey to the Junior AHF Cup in Singapore. This marks the first time in Bangladeshi hockey history that both the teams will compete at an international tournament simultaneously.
While excitement simmers, the build-up to the tournament hasn't been without its challenges. The Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) has faced significant financial constraints, with preparations for the past month shrouded in uncertainty. Initially, a wider pool of 38 players in the men's team and 32 in the women's team trained, but only 18 from each squad were finally selected by their respective coaches and announced by the BHF on Monday.
The financial strain extends beyond player selection. The contingent, encompassing players and coaching staff, exceeds 40 individuals. Airfare alone amounts to a hefty 30 lakh taka (approximately £27,000). This is further compounded by training costs within Bangladesh, accommodation in Singapore, and other miscellaneous expenses. All in all, the BHF is facing a bill exceeding half a crore taka (approximately £45,000) for this single tournament participation.
Despite the financial pressures, the BHF is determined to send both teams, acknowledging the importance of international exposure for both men's and women's hockey development. General Secretary Mominul Haque Saeed has personally arranged flight tickets, while accommodation and food in Singapore will be covered by existing Federation funds supplemented by a further personal contribution from the General Secretary. Notably, the BHF has also requested assistance with local transportation from the Asian Hockey Federation.
The financial crisis within the BHF runs deeper, with coaching staff yet to receive their honorariums and salaries for Federation personnel outstanding. According to the BHF Joint Secretary, Ehsan Rana, the Federation's savings account has been depleted, leading to rumours – vehemently denied by Rana – of the BHF dipping into fixed deposit funds.
Despite these limitations, the BHF has secured some financial support from national sports councils, ministries, and potential sponsors. However, the fear of penalties for non-participation in the tournament ultimately prompted the decision to send both teams.
Hailing the historic nature of this joint venture, BHF Executive Member Yusuf Ali, a former player, stated, "Women and men's teams have never gone out to play together in hockey. It is definitely a special tour for Bangladesh hockey." While both teams participated in a five-a-side hockey tournament in Oman last year, they travelled separately.
The Junior AHF Cup, with its standard eleven-a-side format, presents a significant step up for both Bangladeshi teams.
Joint Secretary Rana, himself a former national player, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of international experience for the women's team alongside domestic development. He believes sending both teams represents a "historic achievement" for the BHF committee.
The tournament kicks off on June 14th in Singapore. The men's team will compete in a group alongside Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Cambodia, with the top two progressing to the semi-finals.
The women's competition follows a round-robin format, with Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka all vying for the top spot.
This upcoming Junior AHF Cup marks a significant occasion for Bangladeshi hockey. Despite financial limitations, both the men's and women's teams are poised to make history on the international stage. All eyes will be on Singapore to see how these young Bangladeshi talents perform in this crucial tournament.
