Will 'The Flower of Possibility' bloom in hockey?

When expectations meet achievements, satisfaction often follows. However, in the case of Bangladesh’s qualification for the Junior Hockey World Cup via the Junior Asia Cup, celebrating prematurely might be dangerous. The risks here cannot be measured on a Richter scale or a barometer. A cautionary tale can be found in the Women’s Junior Asia Cup, where Bangladesh lost their opening match to China by a staggering 17-0 margin. On the global stage, such powerhouses could be even more ruthless. Thus, while qualifying for the World Cup is undoubtedly a joyous occasion, it’s critical to remember that the team must be adequately prepared for the challenge ahead.

Discussing the internal issues of the team after this achievement may seem like an untimely criticism, but it is necessary. Shedding light on these issues could prompt sports authorities to take steps to prepare the team properly before heading to the World Cup. In the recently concluded Junior Asia Cup in Muscat, Oman, the Bangladesh squad comprised 21 members, including 18 players, coach Mowdudur Rahman Shuvo, manager Kawsar Ali, and a physiotherapist. This number of supporting staff is not only insufficient but astonishingly low by modern hockey standards.

Why is this surprising?
Modern hockey is heavily technology-driven. Preparing strategies requires analyzing the opponents, their players, and their previous matches. Teams typically have multiple assistant coaches, team managers, video analysts, physiotherapists, and trainers. However, for Bangladesh, apart from the physiotherapist, most of these responsibilities were handled by coach Mowdudur Rahman Shuvo and manager Kawsar Ali. Ali himself recorded footage of opposing teams with an old camera that he personally brought from Bangladesh. Despite his efforts, not all matches were recorded, and the team had to rely on footage obtained from video analysts of other countries. It was through such fragmented data analysis that Bangladesh developed their strategies to qualify for the World Cup.

If the team heads to the World Cup with such makeshift preparations, it must be prepared for significant challenges. The risk of humiliation, like the women’s team’s 17-0 loss, looms large. This is why hockey experts are urging immediate and proper preparation for the team. The Junior Asia Cup achievement is being viewed as a potential turning point for Bangladesh hockey. However, such turning points have appeared in the past, only to fade into disappointment.

Lessons from the Past
After the 1985 Asia Cup, hockey in Bangladesh witnessed a surge in popularity, with makeshift hockey sticks visible across the country. Yet, this enthusiasm quickly dwindled. Players like Rafiq-ul-Islam Kamal played in age-group teams with dreams of the World Cup but couldn’t deliver at the senior level. In 2004, a team led by Jahidul Islam Rajon inspired big dreams, as did the 2013 World Hockey League Round 2 squad. However, those dreams faded with time. Now, the Junior Asia Cup has reignited hopes by securing Bangladesh’s World Cup qualification. The question remains: Can this momentum transform the nation’s hockey landscape?

For such a transformation, coordinated efforts and long-term planning are essential. At the center of these efforts lies the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP). For those unfamiliar with its role, BKSP has played a pivotal part in shaping the current team. All 18 players in the squad are BKSP alumni or current students. Even coach Mowdudur Rahman Shuvo and manager Kawsar Ali have strong ties to the institution. Before heading to Oman, the team benefited from a residential training camp at BKSP, utilizing its facilities to prepare.

Challenges Ahead
While the BKSP’s contribution has been invaluable, long-term preparation is crucial to avoid turning the World Cup into a nightmare. Manager Kawsar Ali has already advised giving the players a brief break before beginning preparations. The World Cup is scheduled for December 2025, meaning the team has a year to prepare. However, many current players may age out by then, necessitating the inclusion and training of new players. Regular matches, both domestically and internationally, are vital for their development.

One major obstacle in Bangladesh hockey has been the persistent internal conflicts among organizers. These disputes have repeatedly disrupted turf activities, hampering player development. To address this, Lt. Col. (Retd.) Riazul Hasan was appointed as the general secretary of the Bangladesh Hockey Federation, bypassing several influential figures. Whether he can overcome these challenges remains to be seen. Opening doors to European leagues for the junior players would be a significant step forward. Although plans for such exposure were made during the Junior Asia Cup preparations, they fell through due to internal disputes.

European exposure would provide players with financial benefits and advanced training, making them better prepared for the World Cup. However, the departure of German coach Gerhard Peter, the former technical director of the Bangladesh Hockey Federation, has complicated matters. Peter had played a key role in connecting Bangladeshi players to European opportunities, which contributed to the team’s commendable performance in the 2013 World Hockey League.

A Path Forward
Despite the challenges, preparing this team for future challenges is essential. The current squad includes seasoned players like Rakibul Hasan Rocky, Amirul Islam, Huzaifa Hossain, and Mohammad Nayon, as well as young talents like Hasan, Tayeb, and Abhi, who are still studying at BKSP. Developing this team with an eye on the 2025 Junior World Cup will undoubtedly strengthen the national team. The critical question, however, is whether Bangladesh hockey can nurture the "flower of possibility" that has just begun to bloom.

Lt. Col. (Retd.) Riazul Hasan, general secretary of the Bangladesh Hockey Federation, remains optimistic. “We are committed to improving the team and ensuring they are well-prepared for the World Cup. We’ve already discussed this with the Federation President, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, who has assured us of his support. We’re doing everything possible to send a well-prepared team to the World Cup,” he said.

Mahbub Sarkar is a sports journalist.