Litton sets sights on Asian Games gold

Bangladesh captain Litton Das has described winning gold at the upcoming Asian Games men’s cricket competition as the team’s ‘big dream’, with the full-strength side preparing to carry the country’s hopes in Japan.

Bangladesh claimed their maiden Asian Games cricket gold in 2010 after defeating Afghanistan in the final. It remains the country’s only gold medal in the history of the Games.

Following the women’s team’s failure to secure a medal, the men’s side will have an added responsibility to deliver a podium finish.

‘Bangladesh have played many times, but this is the first opportunity for some of us, including me. Representing the national team and getting the chance to compete in an event like this is special,’ Litton told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday.

‘You can win trophies in many tournaments, but here there is the prospect of winning a gold medal. That is a big dream, and I think all the players are very excited.’

Litton believes the rarity of the event has further increased the players’ enthusiasm, with the opportunity to compete for an Asian Games medal not coming around every year.

‘Everyone will have expectations, and as a player, I will also go there hoping to do something good. Our players are eager to play in this tournament because it does not happen every year,’ he said.

‘You can play franchise leagues or represent the national team every year, but an event like this is rare. Every player is excited, and we will all try to fulfil our bigger dream.’

Bangladesh will begin their campaign in the quarter-finals, with their opponents yet to be confirmed. Litton said the team would focus on progressing through each round, with a place in the final offering them a chance to fight for gold.

‘Our focus is on performing well and making it to the final. If you reach the final, you have an opportunity to win gold. But first, you have to get there. We will take it match by match, although the bigger target is to reach the final,’ he said.

The Bangladesh skipper also expressed satisfaction with the team's preparations, having completed an extended training camp and played two intra-squad practice matches.

‘The preparation has been very good. We got the opportunity to play two practice games, which we hadn’t done for a long time. Our last T20 International series was in Zimbabwe, so these matches helped us build our team bonding. I think we are very well prepared,’ he said.

However, adjusting to the playing conditions in Japan could be a challenge. Litton said he had been watching the women's matches on television to gain an initial understanding of the conditions.

The former Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) student also expressed interest in watching other sporting events during the Games, provided his cricketing commitments allow him time.

Litton said his background at BKSP had given him an early opportunity to follow sports beyond cricket, adding that interacting with athletes from different disciplines could provide valuable learning experiences.

Bangladesh are scheduled to depart for Japan today, with their opening match set for 29 September.