Five-a-side is the new T20 of hockey: Ishtiaque

Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) General Secretary Ishtiaque Sadeque announced plans to introduce five-a-side hockey at district grounds across the country on Monday, describing the format as a key weapon to revive grassroots development.

“Five-a-side is the new T20 of hockey,” Ishtiaque told reporters at Falcon Hall after the first meeting of the newly formed ad-hoc committee on Monday. “Without grassroots development, long-term success is impossible.”

The federation is working with the government to introduce the format at district level, with traditional hockey hubs such as Armanitola, Faridpur, Khagrachari and Rajshahi identified as potential sources of new talent.

Alongside the grassroots initiative, the BHF approved an intensive European tour for the national team, who will play at least 15 matches in Germany as part of their preparations for the Asian Games.

The team is scheduled to leave Bangladesh on 14 August or 15 August.

“We have already confirmed fixtures with four Bundesliga teams, alongside other first and second-division sides,” Ishtiaque said. The initial plan was to play 18 matches, but the schedule was trimmed because of time constraints.

The BHF also approved the training-camp budget and finalised the coaching structure for the Asian Games campaign.

German coach Peter Gerhard has been appointed head coach, with compatriot Oliver Kurtz and a local coach joining his support staff.

Sajed AA Adel has been named team leader, while Ariful Haq Prince will serve as team manager.

The newly appointed BHF GS also stressed the urgent need to expand hockey infrastructure beyond Dhaka.

“It is a matter of regret that even after so many years, we only have two AstroTurf venues in Dhaka,” he said. “However, I am delighted to announce that a new AstroTurf installation at Bashundhara Sports City is complete and should be operational by September or October.”

The meeting, chaired by BHF President Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, also approved 12 sub-committees and pledged to complete the electoral process within 90 days.

The meeting began with a minute’s silence in memory of late hockey legend Abdus Sadeque.

The newly appointed BHF GS reiterated that ensuring a fair election within the ad-hoc committee’s 90-day mandate would remain one of its top priorities.