Bangladesh will begin their Asian Games women’s hockey qualifiers when they face Chinese Taipei scheduled to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia on Thursday afternoon.
This will be the first senior assignment of the Bangladesh women’s hockey team at international arena.
Most players have represented the country at under-21 level. Arpita Pal will lead the side in the qualifiers.
Zahid Hossain Raju will accompany the team as head coach, while former women's team player Ritu Khanam will serve as his assistant for the tournament.
Bangladesh has been pitted in Group A along with Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan and Hong Kong. They will face Uzbekistan and Hong Kong on April 24 and 26 respectively.
The top four teams from the qualifiers will earn places in the final round of the Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Japan in September.
Bangladesh Squad
Goalkeepers: Mohua, Himadri Barua, and Sukh; Defenders: Neeladri Barua Neel, Riyasha Aktar Rishi, Ninisen Rakhain, Tonni Khatun, Dhanuching Marma, Ritu Akter;
Midfielders: Nadira, Fardia Akter Ratry, Sharika Safa Rimon,Orpita Pal (captain), Fatema Tuzzohora;
Forwards: Airin Akter Riya, Nadira Talukdar Ema, Kona Akter, Jakia Afroz Lima, and Sanjida Akter Moni.