Indian club side Oil and Natural Gas Corporation have agreed to take part in three practice matches against Bangladesh at the Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium ahead of next month’s Asia Cup.
The warm-up fixtures were finalised on Sunday as ONGC are set to arrive in Dhaka on July 27 to play three friendlies against the Bangladesh national hockey team on July 29, 30 and August 1 as part of Bangladesh’s preparation.
The Bangladesh Hockey Federation is also trying to invite Singapore to contest in a couple of practice matches before the Asia Cup, which will get underway in Ipoh, Malaysia on August 24.
The eighth edition of the Asia Cup will feature eight teams in two groups with Bangladesh pitted in group B alongside India, South Korea and Oman. Hosts Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan and Chinese Taipei make up group A.
The winner of the final, scheduled for September 1, will earn a berth at the Rabobank Men’s Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands next year.
Meanwhile, International Hockey Federation coach Mike Keenan will arrive in Dhaka on August 31 for his second visit. Keenan will train the Bangladesh Under-18 and Under-21 sides for a week.
His first visit to the country came just before the Bangladesh national team’s World Hockey League (Round 2) assignment in February this year.
-With New Age input
