ANISUR RAHMAN

The long wait is finally over for Khaled Mahmud Rakin, who has earned his place in the Bangladesh national hockey team, becoming the third member of his family to achieve the feat after his father Abdur Razzak Sona Mia and elder brother Rasel Mahmud Jimmy, one of the country’s finest forwards.

A former BKSP player, Rakin had been waiting in the wings for nearly a decade. Despite being called up to preliminary squads on several occasions, he repeatedly fell short of making the final cut. Now, at 28, he has secured a place in the 18-member squad for the Men’s Asian Games Qualifiers, scheduled to be held in Thailand from April 2 to 10.

Bangladesh are set to leave for Thailand on March 31 and will compete in Pool B against Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei, and Uzbekistan. Four of the nine participating teams will qualify for September’s Asian Games in Japan.

“After hearing the news, the first person I remembered was my father, who dreamed that both his sons would represent the national team together,” Rakin told The Daily Star after training at Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium on Sunday.

“I still hope that one day I will get the chance to play alongside Jimmy bhai for the national team. I believe a new committee may recall him, as he is still fit and performing well,” he added. The two brothers have previously played together for Mohammedan, Bangladesh Navy, and in franchise-based domestic competitions.

Rakin admitted that repeated setbacks had taken a toll on him, but encouragement from his elder brother helped him persevere.

“My father would have been happier than me if he were alive. Still, my whole family is proud, and I am delighted. It’s an indescribable feeling after waiting for 10 long years,” said the right-back.

Alongside Rakin, goalkeeper Ashraful Haque Shad and midfielder Mehrab Hasan Samin have also earned their maiden national call-ups, as the squad blends experience with youth.

Head coach Ashiquzzaman expressed confidence in the team’s chances, though he rued the absence of midfielder and penalty-corner specialist Sohanur Rahman Sabuj, who was withdrawn by Bangladesh Air Force following a media report.

“If the players can perform to their potential, we should not face difficulty in qualifying. Our immediate goal is to reach the semifinals, and then fight for the title,” said the coach.

Penalty-corner specialist Amirul Islam, who was the top scorer in last year’s FIH Men’s U-21 World Cup, also echoed the optimism.

“We have a balanced squad with a good mix of senior and junior players, and the fitness level is very good. If we can play to our strengths, we have the ability to become champions,” he said.