Bangladesh national U-21 hockey team will leave the country in the afternoon today for Muscat, Oman to take part in the Men's Junior Asia Cup with hopes of securing a place in the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup next year.

The 11th edition of the Junior Asia Cup is scheduled to take place in Oman from November 26 to December 4, with 10 teams, split into two groups, competing in the tournament. The top six teams will qualify for the 2025 Hockey Junior World Cup.

A total of four teams from Asia competed in the 16-team Junior World Cup last year. However, International Hockey Federation (FIH) this time decided to increase the number of participants to 24 in the upcoming Junior World Cup, allotting six spots for teams from Asia.

Bangladesh, who have been placed along with Pakistan, Malaysia, Oman, and China in Pool B, entered into the Junior Asia Cup after emerging champions in the qualifiers with a 7-6 win over hosts Oman in the final in January.

Coach Moududur Rahman Shuvo has set his sights on beating Oman and China in the pool matches to brighten their chances.