Litton sets the final as Bangladesh's first Asian Games target

Bangladesh captain Litton Das has set a clear first target for the Tigers at the Asian Games - reach the final - as the team prepares to leave for Japan with hopes of adding another gold medal to the country's cricketing history.

Speaking to reporters after Bangladesh's final practice session in Mirpur on Wednesday, Litton said the players were excited about an opportunity that does not come around regularly.

"The main target is to play the final. If we can reach the final, we will have the opportunity to win gold," Litton said.

Bangladesh won the men's cricket gold medal at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, which remains their only gold in the event. The Tigers will begin their campaign directly in the quarterfinal stage on September 29.

For Litton, however, the importance of the tournament goes beyond another T20 assignment. He pointed out that bilateral series and franchise competitions are regular parts of a cricketer's calendar, while the Asian Games offer a much rarer chance to compete for a medal representing the country.

The Tigers have also used their short preparation window to rebuild their T20 rhythm. Bangladesh had not played an international T20 match since their series in Zimbabwe in July, making the two practice games in Mirpur particularly useful.

Litton said the matches helped the players reconnect after a long period apart and improved their understanding of each other before the tournament.

The Bangladesh captain also admitted that conditions in Japan remain a consideration. The team has followed the women's matches at the Asian Games to gather an idea about the playing conditions and expects to make adjustments once there.

The tournament could also offer a route towards a bigger stage. Cricket will return to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028, and Litton acknowledged that playing at the Olympics is a dream for any cricketer.

For now, though, he wants the team to avoid looking too far ahead.

Bangladesh will take the Asian Games one match at a time, with the final as the first major destination and a gold-medal opportunity beyond it.