Bangladesh U-21’s spirited showing at the Junior World Cup has revived an old discussion about whether Bangladesh Hockey Federation can turn isolated success into sustainable progress.

In an interview with The Daily Star's Anisur Rahman, the Kishoreganj-born midfielder discussed the team's campaign, the state of hockey in Bangladesh, and his own ambitions.

As the best finisher among the bottom eight nations, they were awarded the Challenger Trophy, introduced by the International Hockey Federation to recognise emerging teams.

The Faridpur-born former BKSP trainee now leads the scorers' chart with 12 goals in four matches.

Bangladesh will now face the winner of the South Korea vs. Egypt match on December 6 to decide their final standing.

Bangladesh U-21 hockey team head coach Siegfried Aikman said his side’s lack of exposure at the highest level made the decisive difference in their 3-2 defeat against group leaders France in Chennai on Tuesday.

Pakistan coach Muhammad Usman, meanwhile, anticipates a closely contested match.

The Bangladesh U-21 national hockey team will play four practice matches against Malaysia this month and four more against Austria and Switzerland next month as part of their preparation for the FIH Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup in November in India.

Bangladesh are grouped with Malaysia, South Korea and Chinese Taipei in Pool B fixtures of the eight-team tournament.

Bangladesh are determined to perform at their best against Malaysia, South Korea and Chinese Taipei in Pool B fixtures.

Bangladesh will start their campaign by taking on Malaysia August 29.

Of the 26-member preliminary squad, 10 are from the U-21 team preparing for November’s FIH Junior World Cup.

Sabit also has hockey in his blood. His father, Hazi Mohammad Selim Mahmud, played for Mauthtuli Club, and he shares a family connection with national forward Rasel Mahmud Jimmy.

Bangladesh girls' team finished third while the boys' team finished fourth in the AHF U-18 Asia Cup hockey tournament in Dazhou, China, on Sunday.

Forward Din Islam starred for the team, netting a brace in the 20th and 26th minutes to put Bangladesh firmly in control.

Bangladesh hockey team will begin their AHF Cup title defence as they take on Kazakhstan in a Group B encounter in Jakarta today (6:00pm Bangladesh time)..Bangladesh are also targeting qualification for the upcoming Asian Cup, with only the top two teams advancing to the main event..

Experienced coach Mamun Ur Rashid has been appointed head coach of the Bangladesh national hockey team for April’s AHF Cup in Indonesia. A former national player (1989–2001), he previously coached the U-21 team four times and led the senior side in World Hockey League Round 2 in 2015. The 52-year-old spoke to The Daily Star’s Anisur Rahman about upcoming challenges and the activities of the Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF). Excerpts of the conversation are below:

The former national player had previously guided the national hockey team during the second round of the World Hockey League in Singapore in 2015.

Army scored the winning goal four minutes from time when Ahsan Habib converted a penalty corner.

The history makers emphasised the need for a comprehensive training camp to prepare for the main event.