Can BHF build on World Cup spark?

Bangladesh U-21's spirited showing at the Junior World Cup has revived an old discussion about whether Bangladesh Hockey Federation can turn isolated success into sustainable progress.

The Challenger Trophy, courtesy of a 17th-place finish, may not sound glamorous, but for a sport long starved of structure and investment, it was a reminder of what is possible when talent meets even a little organisation.

The junior side, limited in resources yet rich in belief, proved on the world stage that they can compete if given the right environment. Their finish ahead of Austria, Korea, China, Egypt and Canada -- along with brave contests against Australia and France -- signalled that the gap is not insurmountable.
Players like Amirul Islam, Rakibul Hasan, Din Islam, Mahmud Hassan, Obaidul Joy, Hozifa Hossain and Mehrab Hossain embodied that unity and appetite.

This spark of hope contrasts sharply with the sport's broader decline. The last wave of nationwide excitement came in 1985, when hosting the Men's Asia Cup inspired children to play with bent bamboo and paper balls.

Four decades later, the landscape looks stark: no regular premier league, no district competitions, and a shrinking talent pipeline that forces dependence on BKSP.

For BHF general secretary Lt Col (Rtd) Riazul Hasan, the crux is simple -- money. He said financial constraints remain the sport's biggest barrier, though the federation hopes to approach sponsors and seek government assistance to build on the World Cup momentum. He suggested that even "small contributions" from sponsors could help sustain programmes.

Dutch coach Siegfried Aikman, whose four-month tenure introduced discipline, compact defending and quick transitions, is unlikely to stay due to budget shortfalls. Riazul acknowledged that retaining a foreign coach long-term is unrealistic without secured funding, though the federation plans to appeal to the government and, if successful, rehire Aikman or bring in another top-level FIH coach.

He also admitted it will be difficult to keep the squad together in the coming months. The federation is considering setting fitness benchmarks, ensuring players maintain standards before joining camp.

There are also plans to send the team abroad for invitational tournaments, depending on available funds.

On the domestic front, Riazul echoed players' calls for competitive leagues, though clubs have remained reluctant. He said the BHF will again urge them to restart the premier league. The recent support from Brac Bank for women's hockey offers a hint of what thoughtful corporate involvement can achieve, and Riazul hopes similar backing will emerge for the men's game.

This Junior World Cup run hinted at what Bangladesh hockey could be. The real test is whether BHF can convert momentum into a movement before the opportunity fades.