Six Veteran Players to Join Asiad Hockey Training Camp

The Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) has decided to strengthen the ongoing national hockey camp by adding six experienced players ahead of the final squad selection for the Asian Games.

In a press release issued on Thursday, the federation announced the inclusion of Abu Sayeed Nippon, Md Naim Uddin, Md Shishir, Pushkor Khisa Mimo, Russel Mahmud Jimmy and Shahidul Haque Saikat.

The six players are scheduled to join the camp at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium from Friday as preparations intensify for the Asiad.

The move marks the first major decision of the BHF's newly constituted selection committee, which approved the call-up during an emergency meeting held on Thursday.

According to the committee, the experienced players have been brought into the camp to strengthen Bangladesh's prospects at one of Asia's most prestigious sporting events.

"Since the Asian Games is a highly important and prestigious tournament, experience is a key factor. The players we have called up have previously represented Bangladesh at the Asian Games," selection committee member Ariful Haque Prince told reporters.

He said Jimmy, Mimo, Nippon, Saikat and Shishir have been invited to the camp, adding that their inclusion in the final squad will depend on their performances and the assessment of the foreign coaching staff and the selection committee.

"If they perform well and satisfy the coaching staff and selectors, they will have the opportunity to earn a place in the team based on both merit and experience," he added.

Ariful expressed optimism about finalising the full squad soon.

"We currently have 38 players in the preliminary squad. Once the foreign coaching staff joins next week, we expect to finalise the complete team within seven days," he said.

The former national hockey player also stressed the importance of ensuring a transparent and fair selection process.

"Since taking charge, we have been committed to eliminating discrimination and irregularities in national team selection," he said.

"That is why, after the selection committee was formed today, we decided to invite six players who have consistently performed well over the past one to one-and-a-half years but had not previously been given the opportunity to attend the national camp," he added.