Jimmy’s Return Brings New Energy to National Hockey Team Ahead of Asian Games Preparation

Staff Report | PNN

A hot afternoon at Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium. Journalists were sweating under the intense heat, yet interest in the national hockey team’s training session remained high.

More than 35 players were busy practicing on the blue turf. However, much of the attention from the media was focused on two individuals — experienced Bangladesh hockey star Russell Mahmud Jimmy and German coach Gerhard Peter.

After an eight-year absence, Gerhard Peter has returned to Bangladesh and taken charge as head coach of the national hockey team again. He has started preparing the squad for the upcoming Asian Games.

After briefly speaking about his coaching plans, the German coach handed over the spotlight to Russell Mahmud Jimmy, who faced journalists for an extended period.

Jimmy returned to the national team camp after nearly 18 months.

During the previous federation committee’s tenure, there had been an attempt to exclude Jimmy from the national squad, but it was not implemented. However, after the political change on August 5, 2024, the new ad hoc committee kept him outside the national team citing various reasons.

Officials said the new selection committee is now focusing on performance and experience while selecting players.

Selection committee chairman Sajed Adel said experienced players have been called based on their previous performances because regular international matches were not held recently.

He said, “There were no games. How would we evaluate current performance? Players have been called based on previous performances. Those who perform well in camp will remain.”

Along with Jimmy, experienced players including Mimo and Naim have also returned to the national camp.

Players believe Jimmy’s return has created a positive atmosphere within the team.

National team player Rezaul Karim Babu said previous policies regarding excluding players over the age of 30 were not realistic because international hockey does not follow such restrictions.

He said Jimmy’s experience from playing in four Asian Games is a major asset for the team.

Another player, Naim, said the atmosphere in the camp is now much more positive and players feel more comfortable.

He said every player deserves a respectful farewell and many experienced players did not receive the recognition they deserved.

Although preparation for the Asian Games has started, no player’s place in the final squad is guaranteed. Jimmy has returned with experience, the new coach has begun his work, and performance on the field will decide the final selection.