Hockey heroes return today

The Bangladesh National Hockey team returns home today after their stunning performance in the World Hockey League (Round-2) where they finished third – ahead of mighty China and behind ultimate champions India and runners-up Ireland.
For their unprecedented achievement, Bangladesh Hockey Federation is going to accord its heroes a warm reception at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on their arrival at around 8.30pm.
Bangladesh, who are ranked 40th in world hockey, won a lot of admiration at the international arena as they gave world number-15 Ireland a run for their money before going down 5-2 despite taking a 2-0 lead. Afterwards they notched three successive wins over China, the 18th side in world, Oman and Fiji respectively before going down against India, who are ranked 11th in the world.
Bangladesh's astonishing performance on Delhi's Dhyanchand Stadium turf was not a fluke as they went to India on the back of eight consecutive victories in the AHF Cup and the World Hockey League (Round-1).
In the AHF Cup, they emerged champions beating Thailand (9-0), Singapore (4-1), Chinese Taipei (4-2), Sri Lanka (5-3) and Oman (6-3) in April last year before emerging undefeated champions in the World Hockey League (Round-1) by thrashing Singapore (4-2), Hong Kong (6-1) and Thailand (6-1) to qualify for Round 2.
Winning 10 matches out of 12 they played in last 11 months, the Bangladesh hockey team showed tremendous consistency despite having limited facilities.
“I can't remember whether the national team had been such consistent in past,” said BHF's general secretary and former hockey player Khaza Rahmatullah. “We could get only three tournaments – World Youth Hockey, Asia Cup and Asian Games in four years but now the boys are getting more opportunities to prove themselves at the world level.”
The game's governing body is looking forward to cashing in on the success of the national team by roping in a few long-term sponsors and are eyeing a berth in the 2022 World Cup.
“A total of 12 teams will play in the 2014 World Cup and the 2018 World Cup will feature 16 teams. The numbers of countries for the 2022 World Cup is yet to be decided but it may be increased to 24 teams. That will give us a good chance to qualify if we can make it to the third round of World Hockey League,” said Rahmatullah.
“To fulfil this dream, we will need a few long-term sponsors and we are planning to approach some corporate houses to tie up,” said Rahmatullah adding that Janata Bank has already come forward with a proposal of Tk ninety lakh for a foreign coach for the national team.