With an aim of producing a better display compared to any other previous edition, the Bangladesh hockey team left the country yesterday night to take part in the 17th Asian Games scheduled to begin on Friday in Incheon, South Korea.
Despite winning the Hockey World League Round 1 in the first week of this month as unbeaten champions, Bangladesh’s performance was not upto the mark given the fact that they have been training for months which includes three friendly matches against India at home. Players like Mainul Islam Koushik and Pushkor Khisa Mimo were not at their best and failed to perform to their potential.
Bangladesh’s Pakistani head coach Naveed Alam, however, is in no doubt that the players will fare better in the Asiad. “The players are committed to produce the best for the nation. They are recharged and refreshed,” said Naveed before leaving the capital city yesterday.
The coach is confident that, under his tutelage, the team will be able to put up their best performance. “Bangladesh will definitely play better than before,” he added.
Bangladesh skipper Mamunur Rahman Chayan set the team’s target to finish fifth or sixth in the event. “Our fight will be for fifth or sixth place. We have to create an upset in the group stages to achieve that goal. It is possible if the players give their best on the pitch,” said the Usha Krira Chakra midfielder yesterday.
Following the conclusion of the Hockey World League Round 1 which Naveed declared was a part of their preparation for the Asian Games, the Bangladesh players went through a few tactical sessions that included swimming- and teamwork-based practice sessions.
Bangladesh are placed in Group B of the Asian Games Hockey alongside three powerhouses of Asia - South Korea, Malaysia, Japan - and Singapore. The Red and Green outfit will take the field on Saturday with the game against Japan slated for Seonhak Hockey Stadium. Bangladesh will then play Malaysia a day later before facing Singapore on September 23. Chayan and Co. will play their final group match against the hosts on September 27.
Bangladesh finished eighth in the last edition of the Asian Games losing against India, Pakistan and Japan with the only consolation win coming against Hong Kong.