Hockey returns with President Cup

Competitive hockey returned on the blue turf after long nine-month halt with the first President’s Cup Tournament which got underway Wednesday, paying tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his 100th birth anniversary.

Bangladesh Army edged past BHF Red Xl 1-0 in the first fixture held at the capital’s Maulana Bhashani Stadium in the afternoon’s inaugural game. Air Force and Police will face off on Thursday’s lone fixture.

Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat, president of Bangladesh Hockey Federation raised the curtain of the 13-day long competition as the chief guest of the opening ceremony.

BHF Green Xl is among other participating teams excluding Bangladesh Navy. Two teams of BHF were formed with the players from the U-21 practice camp that started last month.

Five teams will play each other once for the top two slots in the final scheduled for 30 November.