Brothers Jimmy and Rakin named in Bangladesh’s final Asian games Hockey squad

Published : Friday, 21 August, 2026 at 8:47 PM

Observer Online Report

Bangladesh Hockey Federation has announced an 18-member final squad for the upcoming Nagoya Asian Games in Japan, with hockey stars Russell Mahmud Jimmy and his younger brother Khaled Mahmud Rakin both earning places in the team.

The Asian Games remain a major platform for Bangladesh hockey, as the country has yet to qualify for the Olympic Games in a team sport.

The inclusion of the two brothers marks a rare moment in Bangladesh hockey. In 1982, brothers Imtiaz Sultan Jony and Ehtesham Sultan represented Bangladesh in football and hockey respectively.

Jimmy and Rakin are the sons of former player and coach Abdur Razzaq Sona Mia. Although both brothers have been involved in hockey for years, they had never played together for the national team. After making the final squad, both expressed their regret that their father was not alive to witness the moment.

Russell Mahmud Jimmy, one of Bangladesh’s most recognised hockey players and a prominent figure in Asian hockey, has returned to the national setup after being overlooked for trials by the federation over the past year. Following a change in the federation’s committee, he was recalled and eventually retained in the final squad.

“I managed to return to the team by proving myself again. I could not play in the 2014 Asian Games; otherwise, this would have been my sixth Asian Games. I will try to give my best for the team,” Jimmy said.

Jimmy described the Nagoya Asian Games as extremely important for Bangladesh hockey.

“If we can finish among the top six, we will have a chance to play in the Champions Trophy. A lot depends on these Games, including Olympic and World Cup qualification. Even when we want to play friendly matches against other teams, they will consider our performance in these Games before agreeing or declining,” he said.

Rakin, who has played alongside Jimmy for Mohammedan Sporting Club, the Bangladesh Navy and other teams, said he was excited to finally share the national jersey with his elder brother.

“I grew up watching my brother play. He always gives me advice. It is a great honour to play for the country, and playing alongside my brother will be an added motivation,” Rakin said.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Under-21 World Cup captain Mehrab Hossain Samin failed to make the final squad and has been placed on the standby list. Midfielder Fazle Hasan Rabbi was also left out.

German head coach Gerhard Peter said he selected players based on the team’s needs and individual ability rather than their names or clubs.

“I do not select players by looking at names or clubs. I selected them according to the team’s requirements and their ability. In central midfield, I have Saju and Roman. He (Rabbi) is not ahead of them. On the right half and inner positions, we have Sohan and Babu, and he could not move ahead of them,” Peter said.

Peter also explained why he included Jimmy in the squad despite the previous federation committee leaving him out.

“Jimmy is still an important player for Bangladesh. I can use him wherever the team needs him, either in midfield or forward. He is a great teammate. Considering everything, he is still excellent,” Peter said.

Peter also criticised previous player-selection practices, claiming that club interests and other considerations had affected Bangladesh’s national team selections.

“I do not look at any club or vested interest. I do not listen to anyone’s requests,” he said, adding that Bangladesh’s decline against teams such as Sri Lanka was partly due to poor selection practices in the past.

However, there appeared to be inconsistencies among officials and the coach over the selection process. Federation joint secretary and selection committee member Ariful Haque Prince told the media that the coaching staff had selected the squad.

After training, Peter initially said the selection committee had made the selection “100 per cent.” Asked again about the process, he clarified that the committee had been involved and that he had informed them of his selections, which they approved.

Selection committee chairman Sajed Adel also gave a slightly different account, saying that the coach had selected the team while the committee was also involved.

Bangladesh’s 18-member squad

Goalkeepers: Biplab Kujur, Ashraful Haque Saad

Players:Mohammad Ashraful Islam, Mohammad Hozaifa Hossain, Amirul Islam, Rezaul Karim Babu, Mohammad Roman Sarkar, Mohammad Shahidur Rahman Saju, Mohammad Obaidul Hossain Joy, Mohammad Din Islam Emon, Mohammad Khaled Mahmud Rakin, Pushkar Khisa Mimo, Sohanur Rahman Sobuj, Farhad Ahmed Shitul, Mahbub Hossain, Mohammad Mainul Islam, Russell Mahmud Jimmy, Mohammad Rakibul Hasan.

Standby players

MM Mehrab Hasan Samin, Mohammad Abed Uddin and Nuruzzaman Nayan.

-HIS