‘Don’t let this moment slip’

Bangla Press Desk:   Dhaka witnessed one of its most emotional sporting homecomings on Thursday evening as the Bangladesh U-21 hockey team returned from Chennai after scripting a historic chapter in the nation’s sporting story. Only days earlier in Madurai, the boys had stunned the world by finishing 17th and lifting the Challengers Trophy in their maiden Junior World Cup appearance. 

Their fearless run and refusal to back down had already gripped the country, but as they stepped back onto home soil, the emotion finally overflowed.

Their flight was scheduled to land at 5:00pm. By 4:00pm, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport was already buzzing. Former hockey greats, federation officials, and well-wishers gathered with flower garlands and sweets. Legends Ehsan Rana, Rafiqul Islam Kamal, Mahbub Harun, and Tarek E Adel waited patiently for more than an hour. History was returning home, and they wanted to greet it first.

But the players took time to emerge. Minutes stretched, almost an hour passed, yet no one left their place.

When the automatic doors finally slid open at 5:50pm and the first red-and-green jerseys appeared, joy erupted.

One by one, the boys walked out through the VIP gate — tired eyes, travel-worn suits, but hearts overflowing. Garlands were slipped around their necks, sweets offered with shaking hands, and cheers filled the arrival corridor.

Flashlights followed them, but the brightest glow seemed to settle on one young man: Amirul Islam, the drag-flick revelation whose 18 goals, including five hat-tricks, made him the tournament’s top scorer and Bangladesh’s newest hockey star.

Speaking to the media, Amirul remained grounded despite the acclaim.

“We went aiming for the semifinals,” he said. “Tough group, tough matches — but the boys gave everything. I’m satisfied with how we performed.”

With a quiet seriousness, he added, “If facilities improve and financial support increases, our hockey can go much further. Corporate sponsors must come forward. If they do, the future is bright.”

His eyes lit up when asked about opportunities abroad. “I’m waiting for big league offers. If they come, and the federation allows, I want to represent Bangladesh internationally.”

The federation, too, is determined to build on this moment.

Bangladesh Hockey Federation General Secretary Lt. Col. (Retd.) Riazul Hasan announced that a grand reception will be held on 15 December.

“We want to reward them,” he said. 

“But we also need sponsors. Many times we couldn’t travel due to lack of funds. Even the World Cup camp was shortened because of financial problems. This is the time to attract corporate support — not just for a league, but for hockey development.”

And then came the most heartfelt message — from Dutch coach Siegfried Aikman, the architect of this resurgence.

“The boys must continue this journey,” he said. 

“But they need financial support. If sponsors and the government help, Bangladesh hockey will rise. If not, in three weeks, the momentum will fade. You have the moment now — don’t let it slip away.”

As the U-21 heroes stepped out into the Dhaka dusk, garlands swaying and pride etched across their faces, one thing felt undeniable: Bangladesh hockey has lit a spark. Now the nation must protect that flame.

BP/TD