The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh national hockey team is expected to leave here for Singapore on June 12 to take part in the 3rd Men's AHF Cup Championship to be held in Singapore June 14-22.

The participation of Bangladesh team in the nine-nation Asia Cup qualifying round became uncertain due to financial problem as the National Sports Council has allocated Tk 4 lakh only against a budget of Tk 24.38 lakh submitted by Bangladesh Hockey Federation for the Singapore tour.

Hockey Federation general secretary Sajid Adel told UNB that after getting approval of a poor amount from the NSC, they are communicating with some business houses to sponsor the national team for Singapore tour and "we have got positive response from some of them."

Moreover, he said, they sent a letter to NSC chairman and Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed on Wednesday to allocate at least Tk 20 lakh for the tour. "Otherwise our affiliation may be cancelled."

Adel said: "We're now quite hopeful to leave here for Singapore on June 12 to participate in the Asia Cup Hockey qualifier, either with fund from NSC or from the sponsors."

Earlier, Bangladesh have been placed in Pool A of the Asian Men's Hockey with Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan, Brunei Darussalam and hosts Singapore, while Pool B comprises Hong Kong, Oman, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh is scheduled to play Brunei Darussalam on June 14 in one of the four opening day's fixtures. They will play Chinese Taipei on June 15, Singapore on June 18 and Uzbekistan on June 19 in the group matches.