Junior hockey team to play 10 matches in India

Keeping their sights on a berth in the FIH Junior World Cup, the Bangladesh U-21 national hockey team are all set for extended preparations in India before heading to Oman to participate in the Junior Asia Cup, scheduled to get underway from May 23.

Mamunur Rashid's charges are expected to play 10 practice matches against teams from Haryana and Jalandhar as well as academies and universities during an 18-day stay.

The team was scheduled to cross the Benapole border today after starting their journey from Dhaka last night. They will then catch a train to Delhi before travelling to Haryana by bus.

The circuitous journey was a talking point of yesterday's press conference at the Bangladesh Hockey Federation.

"I think the journey will not have any impact on performance during their preparations in India because the journey is now more comfortable than before," head coach Rashid said.

"There is no scope for a luxurious trip given the country's economic condition. We see no problem sending them to India via bus and train. Besides, we don't have any sponsors at the moment. We, the officials together, are sending the team to prepare in India," said BHF general secretary AKM Mominul Haque Shaeed.

Bangladesh have been drawn in Pool B alongside Malaysia, South Korea, Uzbekistan and hosts Oman in the Junior Asia Cup. The team's target is to finish second in their pool and ensure a semifinals berth. That would also clinch a spot in the FIH Junior World Cup.

"The opening match against Oman is very important. We need a winning start and we then have to beat South Korea to meet our target because Malaysia are currently a very strong side," Rashid added.