Hockey Extravaganza Unfolds in Old Dhaka

Commencing tomorrow in the historic heart of Old Dhaka, the 'Old Dhaka Hockey Carnival' promises to be a celebration of the sport in a region renowned for its rich hockey heritage. At the forefront of this fervor is Armanitola School, which has produced international hockey luminaries such as Abdullah Piru, Rafiqul Islam Kamal, Habul, Jimi, Naeem, and Imran. Organized collaboratively by former hockey players from Old Dhaka, current national team players, the youth hockey team, and emerging talents, the event receives support from the Ustad Fazlu Hockey Academy, exemplifying unity within the hockey community. Serving as coordinators for the carnival are Bangladesh's international hockey umpire, Salim Lucky, alongside Ismail Hossain Liton, Maqsud Alam Habul, Naeem Uddin, Senior Rubel, and others.

Six teams will partake in the carnival, each representing the essence of Old Dhaka with names such as Old Dhaka Royals, Old Dhaka Titans, Old Dhaka Kings, Old Dhaka Lions, Old Dhaka Tigers, and Old Dhaka Bulls. These teams will be divided into two groups, with the group champions and runners-up advancing to the semi-finals. Each team comprises a roster of 10 players, with five allowed on the field at any given time. The other five players can be substituted and enter the game. Among the five players on the field, one must be an icon player, three A-grade players, and one B-grade player. Players graded R-C can enter the field at any point during the game.

The matches will unfold in two halves, each lasting 20 minutes with a 5-minute break in between. Certain techniques such as power push and hit flick will be restricted during the game. The carnival's marquee players, representing each team, include Prince Lal Samant (Old Dhaka Royals), Deen Islam Imon (Old Dhaka Titans), Khalid Mahmud Rakin (Old Dhaka Kings), Naeem Uddin (Old Dhaka Lions), Imran Hasan Pintu (Old Dhaka Tigers), and Abed Uddin (Old Dhaka Bulls). The carnival promises not only a display of hockey prowess but also a celebration of Old Dhaka's enduring connection with the sport.