Bangladesh stay focused despite training disruption

Bangladesh women’s team endured a disrupted training session at the Bambolim Athletic Stadium on Tuesday as preparations for the SAFF Women’s Championship opener against Maldives took an unusual turn amid poor ground conditions and the unexpected presence of the public.

The defending champions trained on a surface made slippery by morning drizzle. The situation was further complicated by substandard dressing room facilities, prompting players to initially utilise open space before beginning structured drills.

Bangladesh had requested a closed-door session, but the presence of athletes and members of the general public altered the setup, forcing head coach Peter Butler to adjust his original training plan. The session eventually focused on positional structure, tactical awareness, defensive organisation and attacking shape.

Despite the hot and humid weather and less-than-ideal training conditions, the squad maintained intensity as they continue preparations for their opening match on May 28. Bangladesh are also mindful of India’s 11-0 win over Maldives in the tournament opener, with goal difference potentially proving decisive in Group B.

“We will be trying to give our best in every match to defend the title,” forward Shaheda Akter Ripa said after training. “As India struck 11 goals against Maldives, we will be trying to exceed the goals they netted. I believe we can produce something good on May 28.”

Bangladesh, drawn in the same group as India, are also aware that their final group match could play a decisive role in qualification scenarios. Nepal, meanwhile, made a winning start with a narrow 1-0 victory over Sri Lanka.

Ripa also acknowledged the challenge posed by regional rivals India and Nepal but pointed to Bangladesh’s preparation camp in Thailand as a key advantage. The team spent 15 days there, playing two practice matches before arriving in Goa a week ahead of their opener to adapt to local conditions.

“No doubt, Nepal and India are stronger opponents and more challenging than others,” she said. “But we have been in an advantageous position after having a 15-day training camp in Thailand, so we are optimistic about performing better.”

Bangladesh are targeting a historic third consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship title, with the squad united around the ambition despite rising competition in the region.

Defender Sheuli Azim, however, downplayed concerns over the training surface, insisting the team had adapted quickly.

“Yes, compared to the ground we trained on in Thailand, this venue was poor, but it was all right because we adapted during training,” she said.

“We have to forget what we have done in the past. Nepal and India are favourites this time. We are not favourites. But we won’t leave any stone unturned in a bid to win the hattrick title.”