Defending champions Bangladesh got off to an winning start in the Men’s AHF Cup Hockey as they beat host Indonesia by 7-2 goals in their Pool B opening match held today (Friday) night at the GBK Hockey Field in Jakarta, Indonesia.

In the proceeding, defender Khorshedur Rahman struck twice in the match. He was well supported by forward Arshad Hossain, defender Sohanur Rahman Sabuz, forward Pushkor Khisha Mimo, forward Rasel Mahmud Jimmy and midfielder Roman Sarkar supported him with a lone goal each to secure Bangladesh’s comprehensive victory on the day, a Bangladesh Hockey Federation’s message said tonight.

Bangladesh are placed in the Pool B and will play their second match against Singapore on March 14 before facing Iran and Oman on March 15 and 17 respectively.

After facing each other once, the top two teams from each pool will play in the semi-finals on March 19 before the final on March 20.

Bangladesh is the champion of the last three editions of this tournament. Bangladesh are taking part in the tournament under the supervision of Malaysian coach Iman Gobinathan Krishnamurthy. This time Bangladesh team also taking part in the tournament as the favorite.

The tournament is also the qualifying event for the next edition of the Asia Cup.

Bangladesh squad:

Goalkeepers: Biplob Kujur, Abu Sayeed Nippon; Defenders: Rezaul Karim Babu, Farhd Ahmed Shitul, Khorshedur Rahman, Ashraful Islam, Mehedi Hasan, Sohanur Rahman Sabuz; Midfielders: Sarwar Hossain, Fazle Hossain Rabbi, Naim Uddin, Prince Lal Samanta, Roman Sarkar; Forwards: Rasel Mahmud Jimmy, Milon Hossain, Pushkor Khisha Mimo, Arshad Hossain, Deen Islam Emon, Rakibul Hasan Roki(Jr), Mahabub Hossain.