The Bangladesh national hockey team might be preparing themselves for the forthcoming Asia Cup under legendary Indian coach Ajay Kumar Bansal, it was informed by Khawaja Rahamatullah, general secretary of the Bangladesh Hockey Federation, on Wednesday.
The BHF was searching extensively for a foreign coach for the national team. The federation confirmed Janata Bank Limited as a sponsor of the foreign coach two months ago and the bank agreed to bear the expenses of the overseas trainer of the national team. Finally they took a step in the right direction by confirming the foreign coach.
Bansal, former coach of the Indian national team who received the highest national coaching award ‘Dronacharya’ in 2010 awarded by the Indian government, agreed to take charge of the Bangladesh team for a long-term period.
‘We have already sent him the primary contract papers for his assessment. If everything goes smoothly, Bansal will be our next foreign coach,’ said Khawaja.
German coach Gerhard Peter Rach, the former national team coach who quit his post after the 2010 Asian Games, was the last foreign coach.
Belgian coach Mike Keenan, the elite-panel coach of the International Hockey Federation, recently worked with the Bangladesh players as part of a development programme of the IHF. The BHF was keen to tie up a long-term deal with Keenan but he did not show any interest to the BHF’s proposal.
Later, the BHF discussed terms and conditions with Bansal, informed Mamunur Rashid, the chief selector, who is conducting the conversation regarding the contract with Bansal.
‘The discussions between the two parties are almost final. We are now discussing some tiny details of the contract and we hope that the final contract will be signed between the two parties as soon as possible,’ informed Mamunur.
The source notified that Bansal is claiming food and accommodation, local transportation and three Dhaka-Delhi air tickets beside the monthly salary.
Bansal is currently the coach of franchise-based Indian Hockey League team Delhi Wave Riders.
-With New Age input
