Litton aims gold on Asiad debut

Sixteen years after Bangladesh won their only gold medal in Asian Games cricket, captain Litton Das is heading to Aichi-Nagoya with a clear ambition: to reclaim the gold.

Litton, an Asian Games debutant, is excited about the experience, but his personal milestone has quickly taken a back seat to the team’s bigger dream of reaching the final and fighting for gold.

“Definitely, there will be only one target. We are going to play a tournament, and we want to play the final and do something good there. If we reach the final, we will have a chance to win gold. Everyone will have expectations, and I will also go there with expectations,” he said on Wednesday.

The Bangladesh captain said the players were equally excited about the challenge.

“Our players are eagerly waiting to play these Games. Every player is excited. We will all try to fulfil our bigger dream,” he said.

Tigers have already completed their preparations in Japan, including a practice match against the hosts on 22 September and several days of training among themselves.

“Our preparation has been very good. We got the opportunity to play two practice games after a long time. After the T20I series in Zimbabwe, we also had a chance to bond together. Preparation-wise, we are in a very good position,” Litton said.

The 31-year-old sees the Asian Games competition as something close to an Asia Cup, with Bangladesh having experience against most of their likely opponents.

“I think cricket at the Asian Games is a kind of Asia Cup. We have experience of playing against most of the teams. We will try to use that experience,” he said.

“Everyone wants to play in the Olympics. But if we play this event well, I think we can eventually reach that ultimate stage. For now, the focus is on playing this event well and reaching the final,” he added.

Litton also hopes to experience the wider Asian Games atmosphere at the athletes’ village and watch other sports if his schedule allows. As a BKSP student, he enjoyed following sports beyond cricket.

“If we get the opportunity and are not busy, I will follow many events. Watching other athletes can teach you many things,” he said.

He expects the Games environment to be different from international cricket, but believes the basic task remains unchanged.

“Some things may not be under our control. When we play an overseas series or a World Cup, everything is organised. Here, some things may be different. But ultimately, we have to play our matches and do well,” he said.

Litton has never attended an Olympic or Asian Games event in person, but he grew up watching swimming and athletics on television. One athlete who particularly caught his attention was sprint legend Usain Bolt.

“I was not a fan of anyone in particular. But I used to watch swimming and athletics. I watched Usain Bolt. It was enjoyable because it was short and sharp,” he concluded.