Premier hockey in October?

Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) is planning to hold the Dhaka Premier Division Hockey League in October after a two-year gap, but it all depends on the willingness on the clubs.

The premier league was held only once in the last four years as the clubs were not interested in taking part due to the 'financial constraints'. The last league was held in 2021 only after the Prime Minister allocated one crore taka for the sport.

"I am hoping to form a league committee by this month [the last date of sending names of club representative is August 25] and declare the date of players' transfers in the first meeting of the league committee," said re-elected general secretary AKM Mominul Haque Sayeed.

"I prefer the transfers to take place in September and start the premier league in October," Sayeed said. "I have already spoken to big clubs, which have assured me about taking part in the transfers. They have sought time for the transfers but I had told them that we can't keep any schedule in December and January due to state affairs (national elections)."

Abahani hockey committee secretary Zaki Ahmed Ripon said that they have no problem in playing and taking part in the transfers.

Usha KC general secretary Abdur Rashid Shikdar, too, said they will respond positively to the federation's plea and would try to form a strong squad in their return to top-flight hockey after missing out the last season due to demotion.

Rashid, also a BHF vice-president, believes the small clubs may face trouble in the transfers ahead of the national elections. However, he believes it is possible to hold the league, which is the lone income sources of the players.

Sayeed promised to come forward personally to help the clubs if they need financial assistance.

"The federation is not capable of providing allocation for the clubs but personally I will try to help the clubs if they seek any kind of help," said Sayeed.