In a display of dominance, Bangladesh's young hockey stars have returned from Singapore with a double dose of glory! The men's team, expertly marshalled by coach Ashiquzzaman, secured an unbeaten run and a well-deserved title in the Men's Junior AHF Cup, defeating China 4-2 in a thrilling final. This victory comes as less of a surprise, as the men have secured this crown twice before in the tournament's history (2014 & 2023).
Both the women's and men's teams, returned triumphantly to Dhaka from Singapore on Monday. The teams landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a US-Bangla Airlines flight after achieving a historic feat. This marks the first time in hockey history that both the women's and men's junior teams participated in an international tournament together and secured remarkable success.
This achievement is being hailed as a significant milestone for the Hockey Federation. The newly elected President of the Hockey Federation, Air Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, rushed to the airport to personally welcome the returning teams.
The players were given a warm welcome at the airport. They were garlanded with flowers and offered sweets, creating a joyful atmosphere.
However, the real story of the tournament might be the phenomenal performance of the women's team. Despite limited experience, having only participated in the same competition five years ago (finishing fifth) and a recent five-a-side event, they defied expectations. The "Girls in Red and Green," as we might call them, clawed their way to a well-earned runner-up position, winning five out of six matches! Their grit was evident in their spirited challenge against eventual champions, Chinese Taipei, who ultimately emerged victorious 3-0.
Head coach Zahid Hossain Raju couldn't hide his astonishment at the women's success. "Frankly, we weren't anticipating such stellar results from the girls, especially considering the lack of pre-tournament practice matches," he confessed. "But these young players, honed at the BKSP academy since 2000, possess a hidden talent that truly shone through." Coach Raju attributes their success to a rigorous training regime, fostering a strong team spirit and tactical understanding.
Special praise was reserved for captain Orpita Pal, a midfield maestro lauded for her power, penalty corner prowess, and ability to orchestrate the team's play. Coach Raju believes her leadership, coupled with the entire team's tenacity and pace, were key ingredients in their success. Looking ahead to the Women's Junior Asia Cup, Raju is optimistic. "With more international exposure and practice matches before the tournament, these girls have the potential to replicate their Singaporean heroics on a bigger stage," he concluded.
This double triumph is a testament to the burgeoning talent within Bangladeshi hockey. Both teams deserve a rousing ovation for their dedication and skill, leaving us eager to see what the future holds for these rising stars!
