Bangladesh U-21 Hockey team will depart for Oman today to take part in Junior AHF Cup with hopes of becoming champions and securing a place in the AHF Junior Asia Cup in process.

The eight-team tournament, which is also acting as the qualifiers for AHF Junior Asia Cup, is scheduled to be played from January 6 to 12 in Muscat.

Head coach Mamunur Rashid's squad features two national players – forward Raqibul Hasan Rocky and midfielder Prince Lal Samanta.

"Even though it will be tough, our target is to became champions," Rashid told The Daily Star.

"During a two-week preparation, we worked on tactical, technical and the fitness aspects. I think it could have been better had we got a bit more time to prepare," said the former national player, who, however, was relieved that the players came fresh off playing the Hockey Champions Trophy that concluded in November last year.

Bangladesh were drawn in Pool B along with Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan while Pool A features hosts Oman, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and Indonesia.

A total of five teams will qualify for the AHF Junior Asia Cup and a semifinal berth will be enough to ensure Bangladesh's qualification to the main competition. And coach Mamunur remained confident of achieving the feat.