It’s Time to Dream Big for Bangladesh Hockey

 

Bangladesh’s performance in the recently concluded FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu, India, exceeded all expectations. Finishing 17th in the tournament, the team created history by winning the Challenger Trophy for the first time, drawing praise and attention from rival teams and observers alike. The achievement has now raised hopes that this success can be turned into long-term progress.

Hockey in independent, sovereign Bangladesh has long lived with modest ambitions. Since beginning its international journey at the 1978 Bangkok Asian Games, the nation’s stick-and-ball story has been one of struggle, resilience, and occasional flashes of promise. Finishing among the top six in the Asian Games or Asia Cup was once considered a major achievement. Titles in the AHF Cup—won four times in 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2022—were expected, given the competition involved mostly emerging Asian hockey nations.

Yet structural problems repeatedly held Bangladesh back. A new generation has arrived, carrying with it a message of hope and ambition. For the first time in history, the Bangladesh junior hockey team has earned the right to compete on the global stage. At the Junior Hockey World Cup in Madurai, this youthful side did more than just participate—they announced themselves.

It is worth noting that Bangladesh earned the opportunity to participate in the Under-21 World Cup following Pakistan’s withdrawal. Despite the unexpected entry, the young side made the most of the chance and left a strong impression on the global stage.

Few expected much when Bangladesh boarded the flight to India. Facing the world’s elite, the contest seemed unequal on paper. What followed, however, was nothing short of a fairy tale.

Twenty-four countries took part in the Junior Hockey World Cup held in India this year. Among them, Bangladesh stood out—not because of facilities or preparation, but because of performance. The young boys of Bengal announced their arrival on the world stage, forcing traditional hockey nations to take notice.

From those 24 countries, Bangladesh’s Amirul Islam emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with 18 goals—an unprecedented achievement in the country’s sporting history. No Bangladeshi athlete in any World Cup, in any sport, has ever delivered such a performance. Teams from Asia, Europe, and Latin America competed in the tournament, which attracted not only regular spectators but also parents and family members of players from across the world.

Drawn into Pool ‘F’ alongside powerhouses Australia, France and South Africa, Bangladesh played fearless hockey.  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. And the fairy tale reached its perfect ending as they won the challenger trophy of FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup beating Austria by 5-4 goals in the place-deciding match (17th, 18th) in a thrilling encounter to finish 17th overall.

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.

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, 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.

This achievement is more than a trophy or a ranking. It is a statement. Bangladesh hockey, once content with survival, is now daring to dream. And for the first time in decades, those dreams feel real.

The sky has a new star—and his name is Amirul Islam

Bangladesh hockey has long waited for a name that could ignite hope beyond borders. In Amirul Islam, that wait finally seems to be over.

The shaggy-haired forward, already dubbed the “Hamza of hockey”, announced himself on the global stage with authority at the recent U-21 Hockey World Cup. Highest scorer of the tournament, hat-trick hero, penalty-corner menace—Amirul collected titles as quickly as he scored goals. In just six matches, he netted 18 goals, including five hat-tricks, becoming the first Bangladeshi player to achieve such a feat in a single World Cup.

Amirul’s World Cup journey began in dream fashion—with a hat-trick against Australia in the opening match. He followed it up with multiple scoring sprees, including two hat-tricks against South Korea, one of Asia’s strongest sides. Against Oman, he struck five goals in a single match, underlining his lethal instinct inside the circle.

He ended his campaign the same way he started it—another hat-trick, this time against Austria, closing a golden chapter in Bangladesh hockey history.

Among all performances, Amirul recalls the match against Korea as the most demanding.

“We conceded three goals early. Coming back from 3–0 was not easy at all,” he said. “But mentally we were strong. Drawing that match 3–3 after such a start felt like a win.”

Amirul’s journey began not in a high-performance academy, but at Faridpur Stadium, where his uncle, former national player Nurul Islam Nuru, coached young boys.

“I used to watch them practice,” Amirul recalls. “Slowly I started learning. Later my uncle encouraged me to join BKSP. Since 2016, hockey has been my life.”

“People call me Hamza Bhai everywhere,” Amirul laughed. “Hamza Bhai has changed football in Bangladesh. If people are comparing me in a positive way, I’m enjoying it—even my family feels proud.”

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.”

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 striker represents a generation determined to push the game beyond its familiar limitations. For Amirul Islam and Rakibul Hasan, the World Cup marked their first appearance on the global stage. Their performances brought rare attention to Bangladesh hockey. Amirul emerged as the tournament’s highest scorer, while Rakibul showed promise as a dependable international-level player. Still, like many before them, their immediate future remains uncertain.

Hockey Federation General Secretary Lieutenant Colonel (retd.) Riazul Hasan has spoken about continuing regular camps and is considering at least starting the First Division Hockey League. But history suggests that irregular leagues are the real “tradition” of Bangladesh hockey.

From 1998 to 2024, the Premier Hockey League has been held only 13 times in 26 years. The most recent edition in 2023 ended controversially, halted midway due to disputes, after which Abahani Limited and Mariners were declared joint champions following a federation meeting.

The lower divisions tell a similar story. The First Division League, last held in 2023 (originally scheduled for 2021), has taken place only 12 times in 26 years. Since 2012, the Second Division League has been organized just five times.

According to the federation, the primary obstacle is funding. “Organizing tournaments requires money, which we do not have at the moment,” said the general secretary.

Players, however, see the solution clearly. Amirul Islam, reflecting the collective frustration, said simply:

“If the league is running, nothing else is needed.”

Former national coach Siegfried Aikman, who guided the U-19 team to 17th place in the World Cup, echoed the same concern with a broader vision:
“Bangladesh must invest more in age-based teams. Regular leagues and matches against strong opponents are essential. Without this, expecting progress would be unrealistic.”

Bangladesh has never lacked young hockey talents. Time and again, promising players have caught the eye with their brilliance in age-group tournaments. Sadly, it does not take long for many of them to fade away due to the absence of proper care, planning, and continuity. Important members of the current national team—Ashraful Islam, Sohanur Rahman Sabuj and Roman Sarkar—stand as stark examples of this reality. Ashraful and Sabuj emerged as gifted drag-flickers, while Roman began his career as a forward before being pushed into a midfield role. The spark of potential they showed in their early days has gradually dimmed.

Rising star Amirul Islam, who hails from Faridpur, echoed this concern. He admitted that he has to do extra work outside team training to keep himself sharp and competitive.

The question now is not whether Bangladesh has talent—but whether the system will finally give that talent a path forward.

While players from established hockey countries enjoy structured leagues, salaries, and modern facilities, Bangladeshi players grow up fighting poverty and uncertainty. Most of them play relying on personal struggle and passion. They receive jerseys and tracksuits—but little else.

This time, the players were given an allowance of just 30 US dollars for 25 days—and that too only after repeated requests. Amirul Islam is now openly advocating for the introduction of a salary system for national team players. With no regular league and no consistent competition, building a career in hockey has become nearly impossible.

“If the federation can organize a proper calendar, hockey can become popular again like other sports. If national team players come under a salary structure, at least they will have a chance to live a little better,” Amirul said. “It will also increase interest among players.”

Amirul Islam’s goals have already made history. Now, his voice is calling for a future where Bangladesh hockey can survive—and finally thrive.


Adnan Hadi is a senior 
journalist mainly writing 
on archeological sites and 
sports. He can be reached at: [email protected]