'A chance to learn'
Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha believes that the Asian Games will be a good opportunity for his players to observe the daily routine of 'world-class' athletes and learn from them.
Following a three-hour practice session yesterday, Hathurusingha said, "Staying in the Village and surrounded by so many athletes will certainly help them learn how to prepare for the coming days."
An improper food diet among the players has been an issue that many BCB coaches have had to address in the past and Hathurusingha reckons that the cricketers, by staying at the Village, will know more in this regard. "The players can also take some lessons on the food habits as they will see a lot of world class athletes dining with them," he said.
In the same vein, Bangladesh opener Anamul Haque told reporters that he was looking forward to meeting with the 'superstars' of the different disciplines and know more about their experiences.
"It is really a good feeling as I have found six of my BKSP friends representing Bangladesh in hockey and shooting here. We come to know about different athletes at the Village and see the superstars of different disciplines and share the experience at the dining hall. Things like the kind of diet they need to maintain or the strict routine that they follow, you're bound to learn a lot," said Anamul, who was a member of the team that brought Bangladesh a gold in the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou.
Bangladesh have gone into the Asian Games on the back of a series of defeats this year. Anamul however, believes that the inclusion all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan can help change their fortunes.
"The inclusion of Shakib has helped improve the strength of the team by a huge margin. If we can play our natural game, then we can hope to retain the gold medal," said Anamul.
Meanwhile players from Afghanistan and Hong Kong ensured that the Bangladeshi contingent recall the scars of the upsets that the Tigers went through this year. While Afghanistan beat Bangladesh in the Asia Cup, Hong Kong shocked the Tigers in the first round of the ICC World Twenty20.
"Don't worry, Shapoor [Zardan] has not come," said an Afghanistan player while walking next to the nets at the Songdo LNG Baseball Ground in which the Bangladesh cricketers were practising.
Shapoor has played in Bangladesh's domestic cricket and also took two crucial wickets in the match which Afghanistan won by 32 runs.
On a similar note a player from Hong Kong reminded Bangladeshi journalists of their historic T20 win.
Bangladesh will begin their campaign against a qualifier on October 1 in the quarterfinals. If they win, they are expected to face Sri Lanka in the semifinals. The Lankans, led by Lahiru Thirimanne, have a number of players in the side that helped the Lions win the ICC World T20 this year.
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