Bangladesh will be looking forward to retaining top spot in the qualifiers as the squad is all set to fly off for Oman Tuesday ahead of the Asian Games Hockey qualifying round, scheduled to be held in the capital city of Muscat from March 9-16.
"We finished top in the qualifiers in the last two editions and this time we aim to return as champion as well. We will get rest before every game which will be beneficiary for the side. The preparation was also good," said head coach Mahbub Harun during a press conference Monday.
Meanwhile, a 38-member preliminary squad began their Asian Games preparation on January 12 this year before the squad was trimmed to 28 at the end of that month. The hockey federation on February 23 announced the 18-man final squad giving forward Russel Mahmud Jimmy the captain's armband.
Jimmy, who lost his father and former legendary hockey star Abdur Razzak Shona Mia on February 11, said, "My father was an inspiration. He used to give me advice all the time. This time I want to win the trophy for my father."
The 2018 Asian Games will take place in Indonesia from August 18-September 2. The champion and runners-up side in the qualifiers will make it to the final round in Jakarta.
