Bangladesh’s U-21 Hockey World Cup debut was a defining moment for the nation’s hockey. The team didn’t just appear on the global stage — they won the Challengers Trophy with a thrilling 5–4 victory over Austria. Their fearless run, challenging powerhouses like Australia, France and South Korea, signalled a new era of belief, discipline and tactical growth.

Much of this change came under Dutch coach Siegfried Aikman, whose four-month tenure moulded a raw squad into a competitive unit. He spoke with Daily Sun’s Kamran Ahmed about the campaign and Bangladesh’s future.

Daily Sun: What was the biggest shift in players from the start of camp to the final?

Aikman: They realised the need for discipline in tactical and technical team behaviour. That awareness was key.

Daily Sun: When did you realise they were ready to compete with the world?

Aikman: From the very first match. Their determination was clear. Even during daily allowance talks, they promised to give their all regardless — their dream was to perform at the highest level.

Daily Sun: How would you define the team’s identity in one phrase?

Aikman: They were friends who understood ‘team’ means together, each achieving more. They sacrificed and worked for each other.

Daily Sun: What does this camp reveal about Bangladesh hockey’s global competitiveness?

Aikman: With a solid foundation in skills, tactical application, and ownership, players can achieve a lot. Bangladesh needs well-educated coaches with full FIH certifications. Most coaches hold only Level 2, often from years ago. Coaching must keep pace with hockey’s evolving global standards.

Daily Sun: How far is Bangladesh from regularly challenging the top 10? What are the essentials?

Aikman: Far yet close. Coaching structure must improve with player-centred methods. Players must be able to play at top pace, read the game, make smart decisions, and maintain fitness to accelerate repeatedly during matches.

Daily Sun: Players talk about regular leagues and foreign players. How vital is that?

Aikman: Real competition is essential. Hockey development has stages: foundation (basic skills), play to play (fun games), and play to compete (leagues with focus on winning). Bangladesh is at the third stage but must learn to play to win with discipline technically, tactically, physically, mentally and socially. Honest performance reviews and a growth mindset are needed across players, staff and federation.

Daily Sun: Amirul scored five hat-tricks in six matches. What made him so effective?

Aikman: We built his confidence and refined his drag-flick. We analysed opponents’ defensive corners in detail — goalkeeper, runners, line stoppers, rebounders. Amirul agreed with and executed the plan with discipline.

Penalty corners require teamwork, and his teammates created many chances for him.

Daily Sun: What does this campaign mean for Bangladesh hockey? What doors does it open?

Aikman: I hope it inspires hockey fans to support high-performance hockey. Pride alone isn’t enough; support is needed to create domestic and franchise leagues with top foreign players and umpires.

In camp, umpires Lucky and Shabbas helped us adapt to strict officiating. In the final matches, no cards were issued, allowing us to compete fully.

Financial constraints exist, but creativity and persistence can overcome them.

Daily Sun: What attacking elements worked best in the tournament?

Aikman: Our passing game, creating 2v1s, accelerating to assist or score — all clicked. Amirul didn’t score field goals but we generated many scoring opportunities.

Daily Sun: Bangladesh defended well against physically stronger teams. What was the philosophy?

Aikman: We focused on defensive skills and error reduction. Early tests showed many mistakes, but we improved timing, backup and connection. We defended deeper and delayed opponents to regroup — a key difference from the senior team.

Daily Sun: How do you train young players to maintain composure during momentum swings?

Aikman: By simulating real match pressure — winners rewarded, losers held accountable with extra physical work. We coached them on managing disappointment and provided constant behavioural feedback. Group leaders helped mirror behaviours and improve team discipline.

Daily Sun: Your contract ends soon. How was your time here? 

Aikman: Four months were rewarding but lonely. Outside work, I stayed mostly at the hotel unless invited out. No regrets — I worked well with my staff, prepared future leaders Aziq and Biblob, and was inspired by the players’ passion and spirit. Our team — including umpires — worked as one.

Daily Sun: Would you continue with Bangladesh hockey longer term?

Aikman: I will return home to care for grandchildren. Long-term foreign work is lonely and hard socially. I remain committed to Bangladesh hockey but won’t take long-term roles unless my wife can join, which is unlikely.