Rangamati kicks off women’s hockey talent hunt

The Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) has taken its grassroots women’s hockey development drive to the hills, launching the first phase of the ‘Aparajeya Alo Women’s Hockey Development Programme 2026’ in Rangamati on Friday.

The programme, sponsored by BRAC Bank, brought together emerging female hockey players from six districts as the federation stepped up efforts to identify and nurture talent beyond the traditional hockey centres.

Players from Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Sylhet, Netrakona, Cumilla and Narayanganj took part in the first phase at the historic Ching Hla Mong Chowdhury Mari Stadium.

Rangamati Additional District Administrator (General) Mohammad Ruhul Amin attended the programme as chief guest. At the same time, Liton Kanti Das, branch manager of BRAC Bank’s Rangamati branch, was present as the special guest.

Rangamati District Sports Officer Maksudur Rahman chaired the programme, with former national hockey star and current coach Belal Hossain Rubel also present to guide and motivate the young players.

The initiative aims to take women’s hockey deeper into the grassroots and create a wider pool of players for the national development pathway.

The organisers hope the programme’s intensive training and talent-identification process will help strengthen women’s hockey in Bangladesh and produce players capable of delivering success on the international stage.