The Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) has recognised the Bangladesh U-21 hockey team's historic achievement by awarding them a cash prize of Tk five lakh after securing their first-ever qualification for the AHF Junior World Cup.

The men in red and green returned home on Thursday morning from Oman after finishing fifth in the AHF Hockey Junior Asia Cup, ending their campaign with three wins, two draws, and one loss in six matches.

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

The BHF organised a reception for the history makers at Falcon Hall in the city, where BHF president and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan welcomed each player and official with flower garlands before awarding the 21-member youth team contingent -- comprising 18 players, coach, manager and physio -- a cash prize of Tk five lakh.

"Our financial situation is not ideal, so we could only allocate five lakh taka as a reward for the team," Mahmood said during his address.

"However, we hope to provide more support in the future."

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Congratulating the players, officials, and sponsors for the achievement -- given Bangladesh had never appeared in a hockey World Cup at any level -- Mahmood added, "This is a significant accomplishment in the month of December. By qualifying for the Junior World Cup [set to take place next year in December, India], you have created an opportunity to aim for the Senior World Cup in the future. We will provide our best efforts, irrespective of opinions and challenges, as you face bigger hurdles in the coming days."