Press Release

Dhaka ready for the hockey extravaganza

Dhaka, March 14: The stage is set for Islami Bank Asian Games Hockey Qualifiers with Oman and Chinese Taipei playing the inaugural match of the eight team meet at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium at 2:00 pm on Saturday.

In the second match of the day Sri Lanka will face Qatar at the same venue.

The Managers Meeting was held on Friday with all the managers being informed about the rules and the regulations of the tournament.

A number of teams enjoyed the first taste of the turf on Friday and the coaches of Singapore and Qatar expressed satisfaction over the proceedings. Sollymon Casoojee, the South African coach of Singapore said he wants to finish among the top two. “Though the scenario is different from 2010 we are still focused to retain our position” said the Singaporean coach. It would be mentionable that Singapore finished runners-up in the last edition on 2010.

Qatar’s Egyptian coach Maggid Abu Talib said his team wants to earn experience. “Our players are new and gaining experience to shape the future is our motto” said Maggid who took over the charges two weeks ago.

Meanwhile Bangladesh beat a Combined XI 6-0 in a warm-up match at the Maulana  Bhashani National Hockey Stadium on Friday. Koushik scored a brace while Niloy, Rumman, Choyon and Rocky scored one each.