Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Aug 3, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh national hockey team secured an 
overwhelming 7-1 victory over the Bangladesh Under-20 side in a practice 
match on Monday as preparations continued for the upcoming Asian Games.

The senior team, made up of players selected for the Asian Games squad, faced 
the Under-20 team, which is currently attending the Asia Cup training camp at 
BKSP.

Despite the emphatic win, head coach Peter Gerhard insisted there was no room 
for complacency, saying the team still had significant work to do.
"I am never easily satisfied. We still have a lot of work ahead of us. 
However, I was impressed with the players' performance today. They executed 
on the field exactly what we had worked on in training, which shows we are 
moving in the right direction," Gerhard said after the match.

The coach praised the squad's ability to quickly absorb tactical instructions 
and translate them into match performances but noted that several areas still 
require improvement.

Looking ahead to the Asian Games, Gerhard stressed that Bangladesh's opening 
match against South Korea remains the team's primary focus.

"We must remember that South Korea will be a completely different challenge, 
so we have plenty of hard work ahead. Overall, though, I am satisfied with 
where the team is at this stage," he added.

The boys in red and green will continue their preparations ahead of the 
continental showpiece, with the coaching staff aiming to further refine the 
team's performance before the Asian Games campaign begins.