Bangladesh Hockey Federation officially withdrew the suspension of three national hockey players – forward Rasel Mahmud Jimmy, defender Imran Hasan Pintoo and goalkeeper Zahid Hossain – during a Governing Body meeting at the Falcon Hall of Bangladesh Air Force yesterday.
Jimmy, Pintoo and Zahid completed one year of the two-year domestic and three-year international ban handed last year due to disciplinary reasons and intentionally under performing in the 2013 Asia Cup. Pintu’s fine of Tk100,000 was also reduced to Tk25,000.
Apart from the trio, Kamruzzaman Rana (the fourth banned player) saw his ban off earlier but the four senior players will have to sign a bond saying they will never repeat such acts again.
“I realised my mistakes and I thank the federation for the withdrawal of my suspension. It comes to me as a great relief,” expressed Jimmy. “I tried to keep myself fit and I am confident of making it to the national team for the round two of World Hockey League.”
The national team will be guided by the local coaches Mamunur Rashid, Alamgir Alam and Jahid Hossain Raju and they will selecting the final squad for the event in Singapore in January. Former national stars Kamrul Islam Kismat and Rafikul Islam Kamal were named manager and assistant manager.
