Germany abandoned, China mission set

Visa complications have put an end to Bangladesh’s planned training camp in Germany, prompting the Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) to shift its preparations to China ahead of the Asian Games in Japan.
The national team is now set to undertake a six-match practise campaign in Beijing, with officials expecting to receive their travel documents by Thursday (27 August) and fly to China on 29 or 30 August.
Bangladesh will play three matches against the China ‘A’ team on 2, 3 and 5 September before facing the Chinese national side on 7, 9 and 11 September.
“After the Germany trip fell through, our entire focus shifted to China,” BHF joint secretary Ariful Haq Prince said. “We already have the match schedule from the Chinese federation. Playing six high-intensity matches gives us exactly the test we need.”
The senior team will return to Dhaka on 12 September to complete Olympic-related formalities before flying to Japan on 14 September.
The change of venue has also altered the travel plans of Bangladesh’s foreign coaching staff. Oliver Kurtz and Paul Lissek are expected to fly directly to Beijing rather than return to Dhaka.
“Two of our coaching staff are likely coming directly to China,” Prince said. “Oliver Kurtz and Paul Lissek are joining us in China. After that, they will decide if they will return to Bangladesh with us or go straight to Japan.”
German head coach Peter Gerhard Rach believes the quality of opposition, rather than the venue, is the key factor in the final preparations.
“What matters is that we have games,” Rach said. “Whether we play against top clubs in Germany with international stars or face the Chinese national team in Beijing, the objective is the same.”
Senior forward Russell Mahmud Jimmy also welcomed the China tour, saying the matches will help Bangladesh address tactical weaknesses before the tournament.
“Practice matches are all about ironing out errors before the big tournament starts,” Jimmy said. “Whether it is in Germany or China, having these games is essential for us to be ready from day one.”