Bangladesh U-18 men's hockey team aim for winning start against Hong Kong

The Bangladesh men's youth hockey team are aiming to begin their U-18 Asia Cup campaign on a positive note today, as they face Hong Kong in the opening Pool A fixture in Dazhou, China, on Thursday.

With the top two teams from the group advancing to the semi-finals, Bangladesh's coach believes there is no room for error in the opening matches against Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. The group stage is expected to become increasingly competitive as it progresses, with Bangladesh set to face hosts China before concluding against tournament favourites Pakistan.

Bangladesh were runners-up in the previous edition of the U-18 Asia Cup, held in Dhaka nine years ago. Upon arriving in Dazhou, a city in northeastern China, the team held a 30-minute practice match against Kazakhstan, securing a comfortable 4-0 victory.

Coach Moududur Rahman Shuvo, speaking to media from Dazhou yesterday afternoon, reported that all players are in good health and the weather conditions are comparable to those in Dhaka.

"The practice match was mainly to help the players adjust to the conditions and the pitch here. We're feeling comfortable and are looking forward to a positive start," said Shuvo, whose squad includes 16 current BKSP students and two recent graduates from the sports institute.

"We can't afford to take any chances. It's essential that we win the first two matches, as the challenges will only increase from there. Our aim is to start with a win, regardless of the scoreline," added Shuvo, who led the under-21 side to their first-ever World Cup qualification last year.

Shuvo also mentioned that the women's team played a similar practice match against Kazakhstan, securing a 3-0 victory. Coached by Zahid Hasan Raju, the women's side will begin their campaign against Japan tomorrow.