After long uncertainty and chaos the domestic hockey returns to life today with the start of the Club Hockey Tournament, participated by all major teams.
All the big names of hockey—Mohammedan Sporting Club, Abahani Limited, Usha Krira Chakra and Mariner Young’s Club will participate in the tournamentafter a gap of three years.
The Bangladesh Hockey Federation could convince the bickering clubs to return to the field after a major overhaul in its governing body which saw veteran organiser Abdus Sadek replacing Khaja Rahmatullah as general secretary.
Mohammedan and Mariner had earlier refused to participate in any tournament with Rahmatullah in the chair of general secretary.
The reshuffle in the committee paved the way for players’ transfer, which ended in February.
The Club Cup Hockey comprising nine clubs is expected to serve as warm-up for the much-anticipated Dhaka Premier League, which will start on May 7, two days after the end of this tournament.
Reigning champions Mohammedan will face Sonali Bank Recreation Sports Center in the opening match at the Maulana Vashani National Hockey Stadium before Abahani Limited facing Wari Club in the second match.
A festive mood prevailed in country’s hockey arena on Sunday ahead of the tournament with Abahani and Mariner unveiling their jerseys through colourful programme.
Mariner hockey committee chairman Mominul Haque Sayeed introduced their squad and German head coach Gerhard Peter at the club premises ahead of the tournament.
Their squad comprises five national players – Mamunur Rahman Chayan, Ashraful Islam, Moinul Islam Kowshik, Rimon Hossain, Rezaul Karim– and three foreign players from Germany and Kenya.
Peter, a former coach of the Bangladesh national team, played an active role in recruiting German midfielder Nicolai Heinch, who represented German national U-21 team.
Heinch was joined by goalkeeper Linus Kipkemboi and midfielder Okeyo Willls Ochieng, two members of Kenya national team.
Malaysian twin brothers Jiwa Mohan and Jivan Mohan are likely to arrive on April 27 to play for the club.
Meanwhile, Abahani Limited unveiled their new jersey and its sponsor as Sailor, a brand of the Epilion Group.
Abdus Sadeque, general secretary of BHF and also director of Abahani, thanked Sailor for coming forward as the jersey sponsor for Abahani and hoped it would help bring professionalism in hockey.
-With New Age input