Russell Mahmud Jimmy and the three other recalled national hockey players went through their fitness test conducted by coach Mamunur Rashid at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey stadium yesterday.
The four players – Jimmy, Quamruzzaman Rana, Imran Hossian Pintu and Zahid Hossain – who were recalled by the federation after the withdrawal of their year long ban, went through the Cooper Test, the 50meter sprint, agility test and push and sit ups. However, the year long gap from the regular hockey activities saw the players a little behind the required yardstick.
Coach Mamunur said the quartet have to work more on their fitness. “They did not fare well in the Cooper Test, the requirement in 3300 meters, and only Pintu ran near 2900 meters. Their speed is quite okay, but in the strength test only Jimmy matched the required level of 60 push ups. We have given them 10 days more to appear for the second test,” said Mamunur.
Mamunur added the players are very experienced and skillful, but they have to attain the fitness before their inclusion in the national fold. He also said currently the competition in the national team is quite high as there are players of same quality in every sections.
