The 18-member Bangladesh national hockey team will leave Dhaka for Malaysia today for the ninth Asia Cup, which begins on August 24. The national side managed a massive 6-0 win over the Bangladesh Hockey Federation XI on Tuesday at the Moulana Vashani National Hockey Stadium in their final tune-up match before their departure.Bangladesh will start their Asia Cup campaign against holders South Korea on August 25. They play against Oman the following day and face two-time champions India on August 28 to round out group play.
The national team leaves Dhaka aiming to finish in at least sixth place in the eight-team tournament, which makes victory over Oman in the group stage vital, according to head coach Naveed Alam.
Bangladesh will play a warm-up match with Pakistan on August 22 and the Bangladesh Hockey Federation is trying to arrange another practice match against Malaysia or Japan before the tournament starts.
-With New Age input
