Bangladesh hockey team's Germany tour doubtful

The Bangladesh national hockey team’s German trip ahead of the Asian Games is uncertain due to visa complications.

A Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) source confirmed the development to Daily Sun on Monday adding that it would be a huge blow if they fail to send the players in German as they felt it is crucial for them preparation-wise ahead of the Asian Games.

“We are not giving up hope but it looks quite difficult to follow our initial plan of action as far as taking preparation in Germany is concerned,” said the official.

“Now we are trying to reschedule it considering now we cannot go as per our plan of action,” he said.

“There is a 50-50 chance and we are keeping our fingers crossed but to be honest it is uncertain,” he added.

It is understood that BHF officials are their level best to complete the visa proceeding through different channels that includes foreign ministry but still were unable to break the deadlock that is required to get time from German Embassy for their players, who are eyeing to travel for the preparation camp."We have sent all the documents to the German ambassador in Dhaka."

“The Honorable President of the Hockey Federation is in constant contact with the German Embassy. Hopefully, the German Embassy will be able to give positive news tomorrow,” said another official.

“If we can go to Germany by the 25th, then we will be able to have a two-week camp there, play 8-9 practice matches. Then our team will be in shape before the Asian Games,” he stated.

Earlier, BHF officials said that they are the men's national hockey team that will play in the Asian Games from September in Japan will be  travelling to Germany between 10 and 12 August. 

"They will go to Germany and have a 25-day camp, a preparation camp. They will play about 20 practice matches in four or five cities in Germany,” said the official.

“Plus there will be other training camps and 4 German coaches: all Olympic gold medalists, penalty corner specialists, goalkeeper specialists, attack specialists, video analysts; these 4 will work with the Bangladesh team under a technical director named Peter Gerrard (who had previously worked in Bangladesh),” he explained.

“From there, the Bangladesh team will return to Dhaka on 10 September, and then on the 14th, we will go to Japan to play the Asian Games,” he concluded.