Sports-Hockey in Bangladesh

History of Hockey

The sub-continent reigned supreme in the domain of World Hockey for ages. Subsequently Bangladesh an integral part of the sub-continent as legacy has been quite acquainted with game.

The history of Hockey in this part of the world (Indian Sub-Continent) is very old, having a rich tradition and excellence at its command. Record reveals that Hockey was introduced in this soil since early part of the centure (1905). It was sponsored and patronized primarily by the Nawabs of Dhaka (with special mention to Nawab Sir Salimullah). But it was confined within their family members. By and by the schools and colleges of Dhaka took up the game. Inspired by the gradual popularity of the game, the football playing clubs and other units also introduced the game at their end, resulting the necessity of formation of Association to run various competitive games. 

The Association in this turn made other units (Districts etc) interested towards the game. The organizers and patrons (Land-Lords and Businessmen) came forward to encourage Hockey. But the game could not attain much progress as football. Owing to the factors viz.. unfavorable climate, shortage of proper playing grounds and want of sufficient sports gears. Since the region experiences rain in most part of a year, players (mainly students and amateurs) become inclined towards football, which had already turned into a mass game. 

 During the British rule, as hockey was played by a privileged class like cricket, it could not attract the mass people. As a consequence it could not make much head-way in this land in comparison to climatically suited regions of India and Pakistan who could play the game all most round the year.

Yet the Hockey activity kept moving due to the dedications and devotion of its patrons and organizers. It was revealed that Hockey wizard, Dhayan Chand, while a member of the Gurkha Regiment, took part in an exhibition match in Dhaka, during the ‘2nd world war’, which definitely boosted the upliftment of the game. It is further evident that teams and individual players from Dhaka used to take part in various tournaments held in Calcutta, which spoke of their standard.

The partition of the Sub-continent in 1947 hindered the progress of the game to a large extent due to migration of many noted organisers and renowned sportsmen including Hockey players. This sector had to be re-organized and revived with fresh vigor. Hockey with due patronization started progressing again. But it remained as a seasonal game being confined to 2/3 months a year. Even within this short span ‘Club League’ and a few tournament s were held almost regularly, besides participating in ‘All Pakistan National Championship’ by our erstwhile provincial team. Dhaka had the distinction of staging the final round of Pakistan National Championship quite efficiently in 1969. Dhaka also staged a number of exhibition matches of the visiting Kenya, Australia, Japan and Malaysian National teams against the local team. In 1970, then Olympic and Asian Champion, Pakistan took part in a charity match in Dhaka against the erstwhile East Pakistan team. The stalwart had to be extended fully before winning the game by a last minute goal.

In 1971, Bangladesh (erstwhile East Pakistan), emerged as an independent and sovereign state involving profuse blood and unprecedented sacrifice of a vast multitude. The land stood on a heap of destruction all around. Like other sectors, sports also received a serious jolt.

It is acclaimed that sports and culture of a nation is the symbol of its identity to a great height. The people at the helm of affairs in the government of the new born nation, aptly realized the importance of this sector specially ‘sports’ and concentrated in its reconstruction and rehabilitation. However, the organizers were confronted with manifold problems. There was no particular office accommodation, no sports gears and almost no fund at their disposal. But the organizers with their undaunted zeal and enthusiasm, dedicated themselves in the job. Prior to the independence sports materials were supplied by Pakistan. We did not or even now have any such industry to produce them.

My humble-self was given the responsibility in founding the Bangladesh Hockey Federation. It is of-course an upheaval task to build a National Federation out of a ‘Zero’. It is envisaged that with the transformation of a Province (East Pakistan) in a state, the spheres of its activities became enormous. With the sincere and concerted efforts of the newly formed Federation, the ball began to roll again. To start with, hockey sticks and balls in bulk were arranged from India and distributed free of cost to all clubs, educational institutions & districts and thereby motivated the youngsters to the game. Coaching programmes and competitive games on different levels, followed by Dhaka ‘Club League’ were arranged, despite many other problems, especially financial stringencies. The next Programme initiated by the Federation was forming of its ‘STATUTES’ for framing the same, Government approval was accorded. Bangladesh Hockey Federation, after fulfilling necessary pre-conditions and formalities, became full member of FIH in 1973 and AHR in 1975. Bangladesh Hockey Federation got its first ever permanent Hockey ground (only of its kind in country) in Dhaka in 1978. From then onward the Federation devoted itself in gearing up activities further. It formulated a yearly calendar depicting different programmes of games etc. As part of programmes, Dhaka league, Tournaments, National Youth and Senior National Championships became regular features. Bangladesh made its first debut in International Hockey by participating in Junior World Cup Qualifying round held in Kuala Lumpur in 1977 and secured 5th position. After that Bangladesh has been participating regularly in other International Tournaments. They participated in the Asian Games in Bangkok 1978, Seoul 1986, Hiroshima 1994 & World Cup pre-qualifying Hockey Tournament held in Italy in 1996.

The year 1985 may be termed as a mile-stone in the history of Bangladesh when one of the biggest Asian Hockey extravaganza ‘2ND ASIA CUP’ was entrusted to Bangladesh. Staging of such an event for the first time put the Asian Federation in a dilemma whether it would be possible in the part of Bangladesh to manage the affair as it required experience, proper infrastructure and above all technical Know-How people. Bangladesh dared to accept the challenge and not to seek assistance of any other country or person. My humble-self had the rare distinction of becoming Secretary of both Organizing Committee as well as of Tournament. Although it was a yeoman task, my colleagues and persons concerned lent their all out support and cooperation to make the show attractive. My gratitude to the Government of the peoples Republic of Bangladesh, patrons and donors without whose blessings Tournament could not have been staged. In the Tournament countries Viz.. India, Pakistan, Rep. Korea, Malaysia, P. R. China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Singapore, I.R Iran and host Bangladesh vied for the honour. In the final held between India and Pakistan an unprecedented crowd estimated over sixty thousand thronged into the stadium to witness the game espite a transport strike. I believe it is an all time record of spectator hockey could ever draw. This august tournament was played on natural grass field, as we did not have a synthetic ground untill then. Couple of years later a moderate turf (was laid the at the Bangladesh Institute of sports (BKSP) about 30 kilometer off the city. This open ground has been used to impart training and coaching of the cadets of the Institute. Occasionally it is used for training of our National team also. It is needless to mention here that with the transition of the game from grass to turf and frequent changes of Rules the game lost much of its charm and it is a stunning blow to the supremacy of the sub-continent in world Hockey. After much toll and persuasion, hockey got an exclusive ground at the Outer Stadium (Opposite DIT Building) in 1977. In appreciation of its activities and gradual progress of the game to Government very kindly conceded to the praying of the Federation and dished out the present Hockey Stadium (Moulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium) which is now a full-fledged compact stadium worth holding of any international Tourney.

With successful holding of the first ever Prime Minister Gold Cup Hockey Tournament being participated upon by teams from Asia, Europe and Africa. I foster the conviction that Hockey shall once again regenerate and match towards its cherished goal. What Bangladesh Hockey Federation should do now is to have strong organizational bodies manned by persons who matter and decentralize the game to other areas of the country. Arrangement of exclusive stadiums at least in all the divisional Headquarters and having fields on districts should be taken up shortly. There must be various tournaments including age groups. Young and budding players much be spotted out. They should be imparted proper coaching. There must be at least 3 feedler (3 standing trainers) for forming National nucleus to compete in International Competitions. The National players should be treated as National assets. They should be accorded all sorts of facilities, securities of livelihood and pensions on retirement.

Bangladesh hockey team announced for SA Games

Bangladesh Hockey Federation announced on Wednesday (January 20) the 18-member Bangladesh hockey team will take part in the ensuing hockey competition of the 11th South Asian (SA) Games.

General Secretary of Bangladesh Hockey Federation Khondker Jamil Uddin, Coach of Bangladesh hockey team Gerhard Peter, Chef the Mission of Bangladesh Contingent Mizanur Rahman Manu, Chief Selector of Bangladesh Hockey Federation Mamunur Rashid, Manager of Bangladesh hockey team Anvir Adil were present at the meet. The team programme was held at the conference room of Bangladesh Olympic Association on Wednesday.

Mashiur Rahman Biplob has been named Captain of Bangladesh hockey team.

Bangladesh Hockey Federation has included experienced Ashiquzzaman, Russel Mahmud Jimmi, Mamunur Rahman Chayan, Zahidul Islam Rajon in the 18-member final squad.

On the other hand, the new faces, who have been called in the 18-member squad, are: Mashiur Rahman Feroze, Irfan Haque and Imran Hassan Pintoo.

Host Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka will take part in the upcoming hockey competition of the 11th South Asian Games. After finishing the league phase the top two teams will face each other in the final.

Though Bangladesh's target is to achieve bronze in the hockey meet but the host wants to beat the powerhouses of world hockey like India or Pakistan. Khondker Jamil Uddin and Gerhard Peter were agreed on that point. Bangladesh have a dream to play in the final.

Before taking part in the forthcoming hockey meet the players of Bangladesh Hockey team have taken part in a long practice session under the German Coach Gerhard Peter.

The players of the Bangladesh Hockey team are determined to show their best performance in the ensuing hockey competition.

It is mentionable that before competing in the 11th SA Games the players of Bangladesh hockey team took part in the different leagues of Germany and played some matches against some European sides.

In the year of 1995, Bangladesh became third in the hockey competition of the SA Games held in Madras while finished fourth in SA Games held in Colombo in 2006.

The players of Bangladesh hockey team are: Kamruzzaman, Asaduzzaman Chandan, Md Asiquzzaman Ashiq, Mashiur Rahman Biplob (Captain), Mamunur Rahman Chayan, Irfan Haque, Russel Mahmud Jimmi, Abdus Sazzad John, Mehrab Hossain Kiron, Sheikh Md Nannu, Md Zahidul Islam, Mashiur Rahman Feroze, Golam Mostafa, Md Mosharrof Hossain Kuti, Imran Hassan Pintoo, Pushkar Khisa, Taposh Barman, Zahid Hossain.

Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium

Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium is the nicce place for the hocky lover. it is the best place for the out dooe entertainment. so you can make a plan to visti the place, here you can enjoy the international tournaments. you can also enjoy the bengali culture her.