Bangladesh hockey’s Rockey eyes ‘goal machine’ tag

Penalty-corner specialist Amirul Islam deservedly stole the spotlight with a staggering 18 goals as Bangladesh clinched the Challenger Trophy in their maiden FIH Men's Junior Hockey World Cup campaign. Yet it was Rakibul Hasan Rockey who orchestrated the attacking play with his breathtaking stickwork and dribbling, scoring five goals and creating numerous others for his teammates. In an interview with The Daily Star's Anisur Rahman, the Kishoreganj-born midfielder discussed the team's campaign, the state of hockey in Bangladesh, and his own ambitions. The excerpts are as follows:

The Daily Star (DS): Despite limited preparation, Bangladesh surprised many by finishing 17th on debut -- the best among the bottom eight. How did the turnaround happen?

Rakibul Hasan Rockey (RHR): We had hoped to reach at least the quarterfinals, but our group was extremely tough with Australia, France and South Korea. Even so, we're proud of what we achieved. It reflects months of hard work… From the very start, we were determined to give everything. The staff backed us, and our confidence grew after beating Switzerland 5-3 in a warm-up match. Once we learnt that a Challenger Trophy would be awarded after the group stage, we made it our mission to bring home Bangladesh's first global hockey trophy.

DS: What changed after coach Seigfried Aikman arrived?

RHR: He rebuilt our defensive organisation and kept the message simple -- make the defence solid, and chances will come. We also benefitted from earlier work under coaches Ashiquzzaman in the qualifiers and Moududur Rahman Shuvo in the Junior Asia Cup.

DS: Any regrets about scoring only five goals, given your previous tallies?

RHR: Not at all. After the Austria match, coach Aikman hugged me and kissed me on my forehead, saying I had done exactly what the team needed. That meant far more than individual numbers. Playing for the team mattered above everything.

DS: You were heavily involved in both attack and defence. How did you manage that workload?

RHR: As a senior player in the U-21 setup and a member of the national team, I took responsibility at both ends. My target was to win penalty corners knowing Amirul was in peak form to finish them. We've played together for years, and none of us played for our names.

Photo: FIH

DS: Can the senior team rely on you for open-play goals? And how do you react to comparisons with Jimmy?

RHR: [Rasel Mahmud] Jimmy bhai is still our best forward and is far ahead of me in terms of experience, fame and performance. He has been playing for 21 years. But I do want to make a name for myself and attract crowds one day. I want people to know me as a goal machine.

DS: What are your long-term goals?

RHR: My hidden dream is to play in the Olympics and help Bangladesh reach the Games.

DS: What do you feel you need to improve?

RHR: I need to work on my physique because I gain weight easily. My stickwork and quick decision-making are strengths, but I need to improve my temperament and finishing.

Photo: FIH

DS: You'll now return home with no domestic matches ahead. How does that feel?

RHR: When there is no domestic action, we quickly lose fitness, and it really pains us. I expect the federation to restart all domestic competitions -- league, franchise events, school hockey and more -- because this is our bread and butter. And unless I see young players pushing to take my place, there's no real urgency to grow. That's why domestic tournaments are essential.