Amirul Islam: Carrying BD Hockey’s dream forward

Bangladesh hockey may still be searching for consistency on the international stage, but in Amirul Islam it has found belief, hunger and a forward-looking vision. Calm in his words yet ambitious in intent, the young drag-flicker represents a generation determined to push the game beyond its familiar limitations.

The Bangladesh Under-21 hockey team exceeded expectations in its maiden appearance at the recently concluded Junior Hockey World Cup led by their goal-scoring machine Amirul Islam, finishing 17th among 24 teams and clinching the Challenger Cup in the tournament held in Chennai and Madurai, India.

Bangladesh star Amirul Islam, known for his explosive penalty corner skills, recorded an incredible 5 hat-tricks in 6 matches, becoming the highest goal scorer of the tournament with 18 goals. His only hat-trick miss came in the match against France.

The rising star in Bangladeshi hockey, Idolizing India's Harmanpreet Singh and Australia's Blake Govers, stole the limelight at the FIH Junior World Cup with his phenomenal drag-flicking skills throughout the tournament. 

As a product of the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), he brings valuable experience, having played in major tournaments like the Asian Games and the Asia Cup.

Reflecting on Bangladesh's recent campaign, Amirul speaks with honesty rather than regret. "We came very close to our target, but in the end we couldn't reach it," he told Asian Age. 

The team had set its sights on reaching the Super 16, a milestone that remained just out of reach amid a group packed with strong opponents. Still, there was pride in achievement. "Alhamdulillah, we were able to bring a trophy for the country," he adds, reminding that progress in hockey is often measured in small but meaningful steps.

In the group phase, Bangladesh suffered a fighting 5-3 goals defeat to strong Australia in their opening group match, rode on Aminul Islam's magnificent hat-trick. They also came from behind to hold South Korea by 3-3 draw in their group second match. The boys and red and green again put up a brave performance conceding 3-2 defeat to against reigning runners-up France in their third and ultimate group match.

They opened the 17-24th place decider phase with a commanding 13-0 win over Oman, their first-ever Junior World Cup victory, before an impressive 5-3 triumph over South Korea.

On the field, Amirul's role is clear to him. "I tried to do my normal performance," he explains. "My target was to score goals for the team and help the team win." Yet beyond individual contribution, his concerns lie with sustainability-something Bangladesh hockey has long struggled with. Regular competition, he believes, is the key. "We need tournaments, we need leagues, and we need franchise leagues. When these games are there, I will also be in the game. When there is no tournament, I have to practice on my own." His hope is simple but crucial: regular competition to keep players on the right track.

Amirul also draws inspiration from beyond hockey. Speaking about Hamza Chowdhury's impact on Bangladeshi football, he sees a model worth following. "Hamza bhai has brought Bangladeshi football into a structure considering performance," he says proudly. "He is a leader. I take this positively." For Amirul, leadership is inseparable from consistency. "My goal is that my performance should remain at a level as long as I play, until the end of my career."

Every athlete has idols, and Amirul's are rooted both internationally and at home. India's drag-flick specialist Harmanpreet Singh is a technical inspiration. "I follow his drag-flick the most and try to learn something new," he says. But emotionally, his deepest influence comes from BKSP coach Sheikh Mohammad Nannu. "I follow Nannu sir more. His game inspired me since childhood. He was my coach, and he always keeps in touch with me." It is a reminder of how mentorship continues to shape Bangladeshi athletes long after their formative years.

Amirul's personal journey already includes a major milestone-representing Bangladesh at the Junior World Cup. Yet his dream stretches further. "Alhamdulillah, I played in the Junior World Cup," he says with quiet confidence. "Now I want to end my career by playing in the Senior World Cup, Insha'Allah."

In Amirul Islam's words lies not just ambition, but a roadmap: performance, structure, opportunity and faith. If Bangladesh hockey is to find a brighter future, voices like his may well guide the way.