Khisa Mimo. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Oct 4, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh national hockey team forward Puskar Khisa Mimo said financial security, infrastructural development and proper patronization are needed to take the country's hockey forward.

Born in 1993 in Rangamati to a middle-class family, the national forward initially wanted to become a footballer because he was more interested in football than hockey at that time. But with the inspiration of a local acquaintance, he started to play hockey and has been representing the national team since 2009.

In an interview with BSS, Mimo also emphasized financial commitment, public and private patronization as well as ensuring year-round domestic competitions in order to make the national hockey team more efficient at the international level.

BSS: Would you please share your journey in hockey?

Mimo: Actually, I was more interested in football than hockey because football was the most popular game when I intended to become a player. But when I came to know that the Hockey Federation was going to conduct a talent hunt programme, I submitted a CV to the local district sports association with the inspiration of one of my acquaintances. I then took part in a one-month camp there in 2002. In this way, my attraction towards hockey grew.

BSS: When did you get the chance to represent the national hockey team?

Mimo: I have been representing the national hockey team since 2009, beginning with the Asia Cup Hockey.

BSS: Please tell us about your individual achievements at the national and international level.

Mimo: I won a gold medal in 2010. I also became man of the match in many international tournaments, including the World Hockey Round 2 held in 2014.

BSS: How did your family support your journey to become a hockey player?

Mimo: My family is actually sports-oriented. In this case, my parents supported me a lot. My uncle was a sportsman and all of my relatives were also involved in sports in many ways. So, I got strong support from my family as well as my relatives.

BSS: What is your expectation in the upcoming SA Games?

Mimo: My expectation is always high in the SA Games. But achieving that is not always possible, since India and Pakistan are much stronger sides than us. In our last SA Games in Guwahati, we won the bronze medal. It would be better if we can do a little better this time.

BSS: What is your expectation from the present ad-hoc committee?

Mimo: Being a hockey player, we always want hockey to be on the field round the year. Not only the ad-hoc committee, but we expect any committee to keep the game alive throughout the year. Hockey tournaments should also be held in a proper calendar-wise manner.

BSS: At which level would you like to see Bangladesh hockey in the future?

Mimo: I think the difference between the Bangladesh team and India and Pakistan is very little. You know, India and Pakistan teams participate in the World Cup and Olympics. So why can't we? I think more attention should be given to the development of hockey, both publicly and privately. Efficient organizers can also play a big role in this regard.

BSS: Bangladesh became AHF Cup hockey champions four consecutive times. Why could Bangladesh not become champions this time? Do you see any weakness in the team?

Mimo: Actually, there are many factors involved in making a team champion, including camps, practice matches, diet and financial commitment. A team usually needs to rectify their capabilities before any big event. It needs to start camps at least six months before any international tournament. For example, AHF Cup champions Oman play practice matches with foreign teams and keep themselves busy round the year.

We started training camp one and a half months before the AHF Cup. Unfortunately, we did not get the opportunity to play any practice match with foreign teams this time. So, you cannot expect much!

BSS: Do you think youngsters should come into hockey?

Mimo: A player comes to play hockey with huge expectations, especially regarding financial matters, so that they can earn enough to run their livelihood. But if you compare the remuneration with cricket, you will find a huge disparity, though both cricketers and hockey players equally represent the national team. I think, like cricket, a category-wise salary system should be introduced for hockey players. Otherwise, the youngsters will no longer be interested in this game in the future.