Mimo eyes Asian Games for last bow

Experienced forward Pushkor Khisa Mimo is considering retirement from international hockey after the 20th Asian Games in Japan, subject to earning a place in the final squad for both the Asian Games Qualifiers and the Games proper.

Mimo has been recalled to the preliminary squad for the Asian Games Qualifying tournament in Oman, marking a comeback after missing recent major assignments.

Bangladesh will compete in the qualifiers in Oman from March 25 to April 25, with the top four teams securing tickets to the Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4.

The 32-year-old forward has represented Bangladesh for the past 11 years. According to FIH statistics, he has scored 39 goals in 92 international appearances. However, he was left out of the 18-member squad for the Men’s Asia Cup in India last year and also missed the three-match playoff against Pakistan for the 2026 Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in Dhaka in November.

Newly appointed head coach Ashiquzzaman has included Mimo in the 36-member preliminary squad, which was given a four-day break from Wednesday due to the national elections after completing a five-day training camp at the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium.

“Being recalled to the preliminary squad is an honour and a chance to prove myself again. I want to try my best to secure a place in the final squad and I have a dream to retire from international hockey after the next Asian Games in Japan,” Mimo told The Daily Star over the phone from Rangamati, where he travelled to cast his vote.

His dream will only be realised if he regains his place in the national team and Bangladesh qualify for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

While there is little question about his goal-scoring ability, fitness remains a concern. Mimo said he is satisfied with his condition after the recent camp.

“I am satisfied with my fitness and I think it will improve as the training progresses. I tried to train individually two to three days per week,” he said.

Mimo scored twice in Tuesday’s three 15-minute trial matches. The camp will resume on February 15, with players asked to report by the evening of February 14.

To make the final squad, Mimo must compete with talented juniors, around 15 of whom were called up after impressing at the FIH Men’s Junior (U-21) World Cup in India.

“Most of the junior players, five to seven of whom also represent the senior team, have quality as they played in the World Cup,” Mimo said. “They are ahead in terms of performance but lack experience, and I think the national team also needs experienced players. If the squad combines both, it will be excellent for the upcoming competitions.”