Known faces on hockey squad

Experienced campaigners Rasel Mahmud Jimmy, Kamruzzaman Rana and Imran Hasan Pintoo were yesterday recalled for national duties when the Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) announced the 18-member final squad for the Hockey World League (Round-2) to be held in Singapore from January 17 to 25.
Jimmy, Rana and Pintoo, who were recently exempted from their respective suspensions by the game's governing body, have proved their worth in a one-and-a-half month training under new Malaysian coach Gobinathan Krishna Murti to come back to the national team after one year but goalkeeper Zahid Hossain, who was also exempted from punishment, failed to get back his place along with experienced Sheikh Mohammad Nannu and Taposh Barman.
Defender Ashraful Islam is the only new face on the squad which includes as many as ten youngsters from the under-21 side who recently emerged champions in the AHF U-21 Cup held in Dhaka.
"During the training, we have observed each of the players and things like physical fitness, sincerity in practice, fighting spirit, concentration to video sessions have been considered before picking the final squad," said selector Rafiqul Islam Kamal adding, they have also given priority to the opinions of coach Gobinathan.
Bangladesh, who emerged champions in Hockey World League (Round-1), have been placed along with Poland, Japan and Singapore in Pool A of Round-2 while Pool B includes Malaysia, Oman, Ukraine and Fiji. Top three teams from these eight nations will qualify for Round-3.
"We are hoping to reach the semifinals as all participating teams will play the quarterfinals as per the new format of the competition," said the former national striker. "If we can finish third in group, we will get either Oman or Ukraine in semifinals."
Striker Krishna Kumar has been named captain while midfielder Sarwar Hossain will be his deputy.