Bangladesh Hockey Federation yesterday included three new faces in the 18-member squad for the Asia Cup, which is scheduled to start at Ipoh, Malaysia, on August 24.
National U-16 player Rumman Sarker and talented youngsters Sabbir Hossain and Farhad Ahmed Shitul were included in the national team for the first time.
To make way for the new players, experienced winger Sheikh Md. Nannu who has been part of the national side for the last few years was omitted, as well as Shoaib Ali and Abdullah Al Monsur.
Talented midfielder Md. Sarwar Hossain, who played well in the World Hockey League in New Delhi last February, was kept in the stand-by list along with Irfanul Haque, Sadikur Rahman Shitul and Rubel Hossain.
Head coach Naveed Alam expressed satisfaction over the team. "Overall it's a good team, thanks to the selection panel. They have done good work and picked out the players who suit the plans that Bangladesh want to implement in the Asia Cup," said Naveed.
About the exclusion of Nannu, Naveed said the road is not finished for him. "At the moment, I think there are better options in the position of Nannu. However it is not the end of the road for him - he is a good player and may stage a comeback in the future," said the coach.
Selector Mamunur Rashid was of the same opinion, "At the moment Nannu's performance was a little down and he is out only for his performance."
Bangladesh start their campaign against Korea on August 25, face Oman next day, and complete the group formalities against India on August 28.
