Hockey Federation election within 90 days, domestic events to resume

With the new ad-hoc committee taking charge, preparations for elections in the Bangladesh Hockey Federation have begun. The new committee aims to hold elections within the stipulated 90-day timeframe. The federation set its priorities at its first executive meeting held on Monday, August 10.

Speaking after the meeting at the Air Force Falcon Hall, Federation General Secretary Ishtiaq Sadek said around 20 to 25 days have already passed since the committee took charge. The goal is to complete the electoral process within the remaining time. Two officials have been assigned to oversee the election preparations. He said the committee's primary objective is to conduct a fair election within the stipulated timeframe.

In July, the Ministry of Sports dissolved the previous ad-hoc committee and formed a new one. So far, no other federation has announced a schedule for holding elections. In this regard, the Hockey Federation is the first to announce plans to complete elections within a specific timeframe.

The new committee is led by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Chief of Bangladesh Air Force. He recently held discussions with International Hockey Federation President Tayyab Ikram during his visit to Bangladesh regarding the development of hockey in the country. Federation officials said the International Hockey Federation has expressed interest in providing assistance to Bangladesh in various areas, including hockey turfs.

Meanwhile, the new committee is also planning to increase hockey events in Bangladesh at the international level. General Secretary Ishtiaq Sadek said there is a plan to organise an international tournament featuring six countries. At the same time, several sub-committees have been formed to revitalise domestic hockey. Among them, the league committee will be responsible for preparing to organise the First Division Hockey League in September.

Plans are also underway to take initiatives to create turfs for five-a-side hockey at various district and divisional levels across the country. Federation officials said the cooperation of the Ministry of Sports will be sought in this regard. Along with holding elections, the new ad-hoc committee is prioritising regular domestic competitions and expanding hockey infrastructure at the grassroots level.