Peter Gerhardt returns as Bangladesh hockey team coach

German coach Peter Gerhardt is set to take charge of the Bangladesh national men's hockey team once again, with the Asian Games in mind. An agreement has been finalised with the Bangladesh Hockey Federation. While the initial contract is for two months, it may be extended if the team's performance at the Asian Games is satisfactory.

Bangladesh Hockey Federation Joint Secretary Ariful Haque confirmed the matter, stating that Gerhardt is expected to arrive in Dhaka on Friday. He will then travel to Germany with the national team, where he will be joined by four more coaching staff members — Paul Lissek, Oliver Kars, Matthias and Akim Manses.

As part of their Asian Games preparations, the Bangladesh team will undergo a one-month conditioning camp in Germany. During the camp, the team will also play practice matches against several top German league clubs.

Gerhardt has a long association with Bangladeshi hockey. He first took charge as coaching director in 2009 and worked at the national and club levels until 2016. During his tenure, several Bangladeshi players, including Russell Mahmud Jimmy, got opportunities to play in Europe. Later, in May 2024, he returned as the Technical Director of the Bangladesh Hockey Federation but left the role in September of that year due to the country's political situation. Now, he is set to begin a new chapter in Bangladeshi hockey by taking charge of the national team once again.