Bangladesh hockey team leave for Asia Cup in Bihar as free tickets go on offer

A 24-member Bangladesh national hockey team flew out this morning for Rajgir, Bihar, India, via Kolkata to take part in the AHF Men's Hockey Asia Cup starting from August 29.

Bangladesh, despite having failed to qualify for the biggest show of hockey in Asia following a third-place finish in the AHF Cup in April in Indonesia, got the opportunity to take part in the Asia Cup at the last moment in place of Pakistan, who did not take part on security grounds.

The men in red and green got only 14 days to prepare this month following a 12-day fitness training in July, and there may be concern over the fitness of the players, who hardly played any domestic competition in the last four months since the completion of the AHF Cup in April.

"The boys gave their maximum in the training in the last 14 days to get prepared, and I believe they can produce something good if they can perform according to their potential," head coach Moshiur Rahman Biplob told The Daily Star prior to flying out from Hazrat Shah Jalal International Airport on Tuesday.

Bangladesh are determined to perform at their best against Malaysia, South Korea and Chinese Taipei in Pool B fixtures of the eight-team tournament.

The team are expected to reach Bihar at night as they are scheduled to head there by road after landing in Kolkata.

Coach Biplob further informed that they will get two more training sessions in Bihar before facing Malaysia in one of four opening-day matches.

Bangladesh are also scheduled to play a two-quarter practice game against Kazakhstan on Wednesday.

Free entry for fans in Rajgir

Meanwhile, Hockey India announced that there will be no entry fee for spectators for the Asia Cup matches in Rajgir. Fans can register for their free tickets by visiting www.ticketgenie.in or the Hockey India app, receiving a virtual ticket upon completion.

"This system has been designed to provide a seamless and hassle-free experience... ensuring smooth access to the venue," said Hockey India in a statement.

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey described the event as a landmark moment: "By keeping entry free, our aim is to make the sport more accessible and to encourage families, students and young athletes to come and witness world-class hockey."