SPORTS REPORTER

On the back of consistent success by youth hockey teams on the international stage, the Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) received a major financial boost ahead of the Men’s and Women’s U-18 Asia Cup in Japan, signing an MoU with Epyllion Group on Sunday.

Under the agreement, local clothing brand Sailor, a sister concern of Epyllion Group, will provide BHF with Tk one crore to support the participation of both the men’s and women’s teams in the upcoming AHF U-18 Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Japan from May 29 to June 6.

Bangladesh have been drawn in Pool B of the men’s competition alongside Pakistan, Malaysia and China. The women’s team have also been placed in Pool B, where they will face China, Japan and Chinese Taipei.

“We usually work in the youth sector across different sports federations, universities and districts. This time, we have aligned with youth hockey, which has been performing well at the international level,” said Sadequzzaman Khan, senior brand and marketing manager of Sailor, at a press conference held at the BHF conference room on Sunday.

“If we can further empower this youth through sponsorship, they will have greater opportunities to flourish. With that in mind, we have joined hands with Bangladesh hockey,” he added, noting that the company is also open to supporting other areas such as leagues and tournaments in the future.

“We require a significant amount of funding for both the boys’ and girls’ teams to take part in the Asia Cup. This sponsorship will cover around 45 percent of the total expenditure, and we now need to secure the remaining funds from other sources,” said Reazul Hasan, general secretary of BHF.

He added that both teams are expected to leave for Japan on May 26. Meanwhile, the squads -- comprising players from BKSP -- will be guided by Moududur Rahman Shuvo for the men’s team, while Zahid Hasan Raju will resume training of the women’s U-18 side on May 5 following the senior team’s return from the Asian Games Qualifiers.