Though the Indian national hockey team was in Scotland and finished runners-up in the just concluded Commonwealth Games, Harendra Singh, the manager of the Indian A hockey team which arrived in Dhaka yesterday to play three Test matches claims his team can also be dubbed as the Indian national team and the hosts will benefit from the series.
Harendra Singh also claimed there’s nothing like A team in hockey arena. “This team comprises of a number of senior Indian players and also the youngsters who are eager to prove their worth and establish themselves in the national team. This team can be called an Indian hockey team and there’s nothing like A team in hockey,” said Harendra who played for Indian Air Lines in Dhaka in 1994 and 1997.
Harendra emphasized on the strong relationship between the subcontinental hockey neighbors. “India, Pakistan and Bangladesh have hockey heritage and a strong bonding is required to strengthen the ties. We are here to win the hearts of Bangladeshi people and hope that the process continues,” said Harendra in a press conference at the hockey federation.
Tushar Khandkar, the visiting team’s coach who has played against Bangladesh a good number of times in his playing days, thought the tour has double utility.
“My team is strong compared to Bangladesh team and ahead of the Asia Cup, the Bangladesh players will be benefited by the hard competition. On the other hand, it is a chance for the Indian players also to show their worth to wear an Indian national team shirt. Bangladesh is a good side and we will be working hard to win the series,” affirmed Tushar.
Captain Vikram Kanth echoed his coach’s tune. “It doesn’t matter where we play. We will be wearing the Indian shirt and we are committed to put the best. We will be on our toes to grab the opportunity to display our worth,” said the midfielder.
Meanwhile, Khwaja Rahmatullah, the general secretary of Bangladesh Hockey Federation promised to continue such bilateral series in future. “It’s the first arrival of any Indian hockey team as per our invitation and we will work to continue the process. We are also eager to tour India next. We hope the process continues,” said Rahmatullah.
BHF vice president Md. Sadeque and joint secretary Md. Yusuf Ali were also present during the press conference.
