The Asia Cup 2025 has become a significant stage for Bangladesh’s national hockey team. A month ago they were invited as reserves, but confirmation soon followed that their participation in the World Cup qualifying tournament was secured. From that moment preparations began, leading to the naming of a 19-man final squad after weeks of training, selection trials and some controversy.
The team will depart Dhaka for Kolkata on 26 August before travelling by bus to Rajbiraj. Visa applications have already been lodged and are expected to be cleared by early next week.
Initially 24 players trained under head coach Mosiur Rahman Biplob, but after consultation with the selection committee he confirmed a 19-player squad. General secretary Lieutenant Colonel Riazul Hasan (retd) explained the omissions. “I would not say they were dropped, rather they did not make the team this time. There will be chances in the future. They were in the last camp but did not meet expectations. To play for the national side you must be physically at your best.”
Some of those left out expressed frustration over internal disputes with officials. Responding, Hasan compared it to “family squabbles” that were now resolved.
Bangladesh’s preparations have been shorter than those of their rivals, but the top five finishers in the Asia Cup will qualify directly for the World Cup. A sixth-place finish would trigger a best-of-three play-off against Pakistan, though Hasan was firm: “We want to qualify by finishing fifth, not sixth. If we can win one and draw one in our group, we believe we will achieve our target.”
Rezaul Karim Babu has been named captain with Ashraful Islam as his deputy. Babu said: “I thank the federation for trusting me. I will try to repay that faith through performance and leadership. This squad includes eight players from the Under-21s who are physically stronger than us seniors. If we guide them well, we can achieve good results. We only learnt at the last moment that we were in the Asia Cup. Within the time available we have prepared as best as possible. For us this is a gift, not pressure. There is nothing to lose and much to gain.”
Team manager Kawsar Ali described the task ahead with frankness. “We are delighted to play this tournament, but it is essentially a battlefield. Other teams have prepared all year, we have had limited time. Realistically, this is a fight for survival.” He acknowledged the absence of Pakistan as a positive but added: “We will still face very tough opponents and must fight hard.”
Ali also addressed past concerns over food and accommodation. “Our hotel is already allocated and we have requested halal food. I have travelled to India many times and do not expect problems.” He emphasised that selection was made on fitness and long-term value, even though some excluded players were once his pupils.
The final squad includes goalkeepers Biplob Kujur and Nuruzzaman Noyon; defenders Ashraful Islam, captain Rezaul Karim Babu, Forhad Ahmed Situl, Sohanur Rahman Sabuj, Hojayfa Hossain, Amirul Islam and Mehedi Hasan; midfielders Roman Sarkar, Fazle Hossain Rabbi, Al Nahian Shuvo, Taiyeb Ali and Tanvir Rahman Siam; and forwards Obaidul Hossain Joy, Rakibul Hasan, Arshad Hossain and Abdullah. Shahidur Rahman Saju is the standby player.
Coach Biplob summarised his ambitions. “We want to finish above Chinese Taipei and Kazakhstan and secure third in the group. The ultimate aim is to finish fifth overall.”
Despite the late call-up and limited preparation, the words of coach, manager and captain struck the same note: Bangladesh will fight with full commitment. However strong the opponents, the men in red and green believe they can seize their moment on the international stage.