35-member squad named

The Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) yesterday announced a 35-member preliminary national team squad for next month's AHF Cup by including 10 players who were part of the team which finished runners-up in the U-18 Asia Cup hockey tournament recently.

Mahabub Harun will start the training camp with 26 members today as nine players are in Germany playing there for different sides.

The AHF Cup is scheduled to be held in Singapore from November 19, and Bangladesh, the three-time champions, are regarded as favourites of the 10-team tournament.

In absence of head coach Oliver Kurtz, the camp will be conducted by Harun, who will be aided by adviser Peter Gerhard Rach.

“Gerhard and I will train the players and select a 20-member final squad which will leave for Germany on October 13. There the team will train and play six practice matches against France, Poland, Austria and three matches against German Club sides,” Harun said, adding that the nine players currently in Germany are not guaranteed a final spot.

The national team will return to Dhaka on November 1, informed Harun.