The Bangladesh Hockey Federation is planning to organise four practice matches for the national hockey team before the Asia Cup in Malaysia, which is scheduled to get underway on August 24.
National team coach Naveed Alam had earlier asked the BHF to organise a few practice matches as a part of his team’s Asia Cup preparation, so the BHF sent invitation letters to three different Indian clubs to play a series with the national team in Dhaka.
‘We spoke with three Indian clubs about playing four friendly matches with
the national team and we are now waiting for their responses,’ Khaja Rahamatullah, the newly-elected general secretary of the BHF, said on Tuesday.
According to BHF member Mamunur Rashid, the three Indian premier league clubs invited to play in the friendly series were Air India, Punjab National Bank and Rajesh Chowhan Hockey Academy.
‘The coach wants to observe his players’ fitness levels in friendly matches before the Asia Cup. We made contact with these three clubs and are hopeful that one of them will play against our national team after Eid-ul Fitr,’ added Rashid.
The national team faced Air India in November at the Nehru Cup, where Air India clinched a 6-0 win over Bangladesh.
-With New Age input
