In a momentous development for Bangladesh, the country’s national youth hockey team has set off for India to participate in the Junior Hockey World Cup. This marks the first time Bangladesh will compete in this prestigious global tournament. The team, travelling via a US-Bangla Airlines flight, will join the competition taking place in Chennai, India, from November 28 to December 10.
The Junior World Cup will be held in two cities—Chennai and Madurai—and will feature 24 teams. Bangladesh has been drawn into Group F, where they will face tough opponents: Australia, South Korea, and France. These are some of the most formidable teams in world hockey, and Bangladesh’s youth team will need to bring their A-game to progress.
Ahead of the tournament, Bangladesh’s junior team will warm up with two practice matches against Chile and Switzerland. These fixtures will provide crucial preparation as they look to challenge some of the world’s best young hockey players.
Bangladesh’s team captain, Mehrab Hasan Samin, expressed his determination and pride ahead of the competition, stating: “We are going to represent our country with pride. This is our first time at the Junior World Cup, and we are aiming to achieve something that will inspire future generations.”
Star Player Absent Due to Illness
However, not all has gone according to plan. Mohammad Mehedi Hasan, a key player for Bangladesh, will unfortunately miss the tournament due to a recent dengue fever diagnosis. The player, who was initially set to travel with the squad, is currently receiving treatment at home and will be unable to join his teammates in India.
Despite this setback, the team remains optimistic, with the players and coaching staff working hard to fill the gap left by his absence. The team’s resilience will be put to the test, but the excitement surrounding their debut in the Junior Hockey World Cup has certainly captured the imagination of the nation.
Tournament Details:
The Junior Hockey World Cup 2023 will run from November 28 to December 10, with matches taking place across the Indian cities of Chennai and Madurai. Here is a breakdown of the key tournament details:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 28 – December 10 | Junior Hockey World Cup (Chennai & Madurai) |
| Group F | Bangladesh, Australia, South Korea, France |
| Practice Matches | Chile and Switzerland (prior to World Cup) |
As Bangladesh takes its first step onto the global stage, the nation’s hopes are high for their young team, eager to showcase their talents on such a grand platform. Whether they manage to upset the powerhouses of junior hockey or simply make a strong showing, the journey ahead is bound to leave an indelible mark on the sport in Bangladesh.