The Bangladesh volleyball team secured the fourth position in the recently concluded CAVA Cup in Mirpur, despite initial victories. Captain Horosit Biswas, in an interview with The Daily Star’s Anisur Rahman, attributed the team’s lack of experience and absence of practice matches as significant factors influencing their performance. He also shared insights on the team’s outlook for the upcoming South Asian Games and beyond. The key excerpts from the interview are outlined below:
The Daily Star (DS): How do you evaluate Bangladesh’s performance in the CAVA Cup, considering the aim was to clinch the championship title?
Horosit Biswas (HB): While we showcased strong performances in the initial matches against Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, a narrow 3-2 loss to Turkmenistan in the fourth game demoralized the team, leading to a disappointing outcome. The disparity between our performance in the first three matches and the subsequent ones was evident. We faced challenges in maintaining momentum and failed to bounce back after setbacks, affecting our overall game quality.
DS: What were the contributing factors to the team’s inconsistent display?
HB: The team predominantly comprises young players who participated in the 2022 Asian Men’s U-20 Volleyball Championship, with minimal senior representation. The absence of practice matches before the tournament, coupled with the players’ lack of experience, match temperament, and maturity, impeded our performance. Additionally, competing against evenly matched opponents posed a considerable challenge.
DS: With previous successes in the Asian Senior Men’s Central Zone International Volleyball Championship, how do you interpret the fourth-place finish?
HB: Despite this setback, we remain a competitive team. Performance fluctuations in a single tournament do not define our capabilities. Continuous training is pivotal for sustained success, and our current focus is on long-term preparation rather than short stints. Adequate training duration is essential for international competitiveness, a factor that was lacking in our recent preparations.
DS: How does Bangladesh position itself in the subcontinent leading up to the SA Games?
HB: Our primary objective is to reach the semifinals of the SA Games, potentially facing India or Sri Lanka. Following the recent tournament, we have identified areas where we can outperform Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. While India presents a formidable challenge, we aim to compete strongly against Pakistan with thorough preparation and practice matches ahead of the SA Games.
DS: Assessing the impact of new coach Ryan Masajedi compared to former coach Ali Pour Aroji.
HB: Both coaches bring unique strengths to the team. While Ali Pour focused on tactical aspects and in-game decisions, Masajedi emphasizes strengthening defensive capabilities, service, and reception. Transitioning to a higher standard requires time, and Masajedi’s dedication to enhancing our weaknesses bodes well for the team’s future performance.
DS: What are the team’s upcoming plans for the SA Games and beyond?
HB: Our immediate focus is on rigorous preparation for the South Asian Games, with a particular interest in potentially training in Japan for a month. This opportunity in Japan could significantly boost our performance and aid in achieving our goal of securing the silver medal at the SA Games. Enhancing the players’ decision-making abilities through international exposure remains a priority, with overseas training laying the foundation for future competitions, including the Asian Volleyball Championship in 2023.