Bangladesh recorded a 5-2 win over Switzerland on Tuesday in Chennai, where the team is preparing for the Under 21 Hockey World Cup that begins on 28 November, completing its final warm up fixture at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium.
The squad has been training in India ahead of the tournament, and the victory followed another encouraging result against Chile. Team manager and Hockey Federation general secretary Lt Col Riazul Hasan, retired, said from Chennai, “After beating Chile yesterday, Bangladesh have beaten Switzerland today. All four quarters were played in full. Our players are healthy and fit.”
Bangladesh’s drag and flick specialist Amirul scored twice, while Huzaifa, Rocky and Joy added one goal each in the win, which closed out the side’s pre tournament preparations.
The federation had initially planned to send the Under 21 team to Switzerland for a training tour, but visa complications forced the cancellation of the trip. Bangladesh then arranged the warm up meeting with the Swiss team before the World Cup.
This year is the first time that 24 teams are taking part in the competition, with four teams in each group. Bangladesh, ranked the lowest in Group F, have been placed alongside France, last edition’s runners up, as well as Australia and Korea.
