Bangladesh national hockey team’s Pakistani coach Naveed Alam arrived in Dhaka on Monday and put pen to paper a day later at the Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium.
Naveed expressed his hope of implementing teamwork in the national team and was also confident about displaying a good exhibition of hockey in the forthcoming Asia Cup, which is scheduled to begin from August 24.
The Pakistani coach mentioned that the atmosphere and playing style of Bangladesh are familiar to him and he was certain that he will be able to utilise his gallant experience.
‘To take Bangladesh hockey to a higher standard is my first goal. To ensure it, Bangladesh have to perform well in the international arena,’ said Naveed to the reporters on Tuesday.
The former national Pakistan team coach yearns to share his knowledge as he is a well-respected figure in sub-continental hockey.
‘I traveled to different parts of the world as both player and coach. I hope my experience will help the Bangladeshi players,’ he said.
Naveed guided his homeland in the 2008 Beijing Olympics where Pakistan finished eighth among 12 teams.
The Pakistani coach wished on creating a good future for Bangladesh hockey and he also desires to transform them into a special unit.
‘Every coach has his own game plan. I want to do something for the future of Bangladesh hockey,’ told a self-assured Naveed further adding that ‘By executing the plans and strategies effectively, I wish to bring success and I’m here to do something special for Bangladesh.’
He also explained his planning to the reporters.
‘Choosing the right players for the right position is most important, hockey is more a team game now than individual skill. I hope I will be able to implement my strategies here,’ said the former national Pakistani player.
Naveed has only one month to prepare the team for the Asia Cup and he said that the time is not enough to prepare properly.
‘My target is to play batter hockey in the Asia Cup. If you want to play better then you should have at least one year for preparation,’ said Naveed.
Meanwhile, the premier division players along with the national players met with Ahad Ali Sarker, state minister for youth and sports and seeked his interference in the inter-club players’ transfer that was scheduled to start from Tuesday but was postponed by the Bangladesh Hockey Federation’s interim committee. The state minister requested the players to meet with him at his National Sports Council office on Sunday morning and he promised to look after the matter.
Naveed, the newly-appointed coach, however, did not make any comments regarding the current crisis of Bangladesh hockey.
-With New Age input
