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‘Can’t survive on earnings from a single premier league’
Rezaul Karim Babu, who made his debut for the Bangladesh national hockey team in 2014, was named captain for the Asian Games Qualifiers last year. The Bangladesh hockey team have been undergoing a training camp for the past one-and-a-half months and the training camp is scheduled to go on a bit longer as the country prepares for the upcoming Asian Games. Rezaul shared his and the team’s goals for the forthcoming multi-sport event, and his expectations from a sport that has left its heydays long behind, among many other topics during an interview with The Daily Star’s Sabbir Hossain. The excerpts from the interview are as follows:
The Daily Star (DS): What is your goal for the Asian Games, beginning in September?
Rezaul Karim Babu (RKB): We placed sixth in the last Asian Games in 2018. This time, we are targeting the semifinals. We will have a chance to advance to the semifinals if we can defeat at least one strong team from our group. This will also see us gaining eligibility for the qualifying stage for the 2024 Olympics.
DS: What type of training is currently taking place at the camp?
RKB: For the majority of the time, players undergo basic training. Besides that, we have emphasised developing the physical abilities of the players.
DS: How has it been working under the new South Korean coach Young Kyu Kim, who joined the national team last month?
RKB: He appears to be following a clear plan and pattern while working. Future results will be good if we can execute that properly. We are attempting to learn the zonal marking strategy which has been used by teams currently ruling the hockey world. Earlier, we used to follow the man-to-man marking pattern.
DS: The Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) does not organise leagues on a regular basis. Isn’t it frustrating for the players?
RKB: This discussion about leagues not being held every year has been going on for a long time. Premier Division Hockey, for example, was last played in 2021. Two years have gone by, and we still don’t know if it will be held this year or not. It is our players’ primary source of income. Because of the irregularities, it is tough for a player to pursue this sport as a profession. National camps are only held for two or three months prior to tournaments. A significant number of players who are not part of the national team sit idle for the most part of the year. You can’t survive for two years on the earnings from a single premier league.
DS: So, how do they manage their financial situation?
RKB: Some of the players work for the service teams. They lead a financially stable life. However, things are difficult for some of the players who need to do other jobs or businesses to maintain a decent lifestyle.
DS: How was the experience of featuring in the country’s first franchise-based Hockey Champions Trophy last year?
RKB: It was a fantastic experience. Every single match in that competition was tough as many overseas players came to participate. I believe it was a milestone for our hockey. However, we are yet to receive our full payment.
DS: As a player, what are your expectations from this sport?
RKB: I would like to see the Hockey Champions Trophy continue in the future because it will help us grow. However, it is vital to ensure that we receive our full payment. Again, the federation must organise the leagues on a yearly basis.