Lady Luck did not smile for Bangladesh as they have been drafted in a very strong Pool A alongside Asian hockey giants — India, Pakistan and Japan — in the 10th Men’s Asia Cup Hockey Tournament, scheduled to begin in Dhaka from October 11 to 22.
However Pool B also includes some tough side as South Korea, Malaysia, China and Oman as disclosed by Bangladesh Hockey Federation’s general secretary Abdus Sadeque on Tuesday.
“The draw was held in the FIH headquarters in Switzerland on July 28 and we were later informed on Monday,” said Sadeque.
Host Bangladesh faces an uphill task hoping to qualify from the semifinals and will begin their venture playing against Pakistan in one of the two matches of the opening day at the Moulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium. Top two teams from each group will play in the semifinals.
Bangladesh faces hot favourite India in their second group match on September 13 and while host will play their last group outing against Japan on September 15.
Coach Mahbub Harun termed Bangladesh’s Pool as a tough one, and opined that it would be hard for his team to progress far.
