Bangladesh arrived at the Junior World Cup as underdogs, but they left with a story that grabbed attention worldwide. Daily Times of Bangladesh spoke exclusively with Lt. Col. (Retd.) Riazul Hasan, the general secretary of the Bangladesh Hockey Federation and team manager of the U21 national side, to unpack how an unfancied squad shocked the hockey world. His insight reveals how Bangladesh combined grit, strategy, and emerging talent to create history.
They lost 5-3 to Australia, drew 3-3 with South Korea, and narrowly lost 3-2 to France. Then they dominated the Challenger Trophy, thrashing Oman 13-0, beating Korea 5-3, and edging Austria 5-4 in a thrilling final.
What was the fitness and skill level of the players at the start of the training camp, and how did you tackle the initial challenges?
We spent the first month focusing entirely on fitness. I wanted the boys to be strong, agile, and ready to press hard. Technical training came later; structure and skill improved, but without legs and stamina, nothing else matters. That approach shaped the team’s resilience.
How confident or motivated were the players just before heading to the tournament?
The coaches built their confidence from day one. I told them, ‘You are not less than anyone; if you play as trained, you’ll fight well.’ That mindset paid off. They carried belief onto the pitch, and it showed in every match.
How do you evaluate the team’s fighting spirit against strong opponents like Australia and France?
The group stage revealed their grit. Everyone expected us to crumble, but the boys fought every ball. Faith, hard work, and focus turned them into a unit that could withstand pressure and challenge the best.
How did other teams react to Bangladesh’s performances? Did they seem surprised?
Yes, immediately. After the first match, they said, ‘Your team plays well.’ A 3-3 draw with Korea got the same reaction: ‘You really play well.’ Even France acknowledged our fight, saying, ‘Your team is excellent.’ People underestimated us, and we proved them wrong.
Amirul Islam’s hat-trick and overall tournament performance drew attention. How do you view his skills?
Amirul is talented, especially as a penalty-corner specialist. But goals depend on the team. Forwards create the chances, he finishes them. His composure and skill turned team effort into headlines, but he still needs more practice to dominate consistently.
Was hiring coach Siegfried Aikman a successful decision, and is there a plan to retain him long-term?
The decision of Aikman being successful or not is up to the people. Hiring him brought structure and professionalism. The team improved visibly. Retaining a foreign coach long-term requires government support and funding. Right now, we need sponsorships and backing to sustain this growth; discussions for long-term contracts haven’t started yet.
What are the plans to groom these emerging players and maintain public interest in hockey?
We aim to take hockey beyond Dhaka and increase visibility nationwide. The social media buzz shows people now notice hockey alongside cricket and football. We hope sponsors will step in to support tournaments, training, and international exposure, ensuring this momentum doesn’t fade.
Bangladesh signed off with that edge-of-the-seat 5-4 win over Austria, after demolishing Oman 13-0 and beating Korea 5-3, a performance that summed up their aggression, skill, and determination. Amirul Islam’s five hat-tricks and eighteen goals brought global praise, but the federation knows sustaining success needs funding, grassroots expansion, and careful planning. This Challenger Trophy triumph isn’t just a victory, it’s the first page of a new chapter for Bangladesh hockey.
