DHAKA, Sept 14: Midfielder Musa Mia has been named Bangladesh’s captain for the upcoming Asia Cup field hockey tournament in Malaysia, officials announced on Sunday.

The Bangladesh Hockey Federation said the team would leave Dhaka on Wednesday for the eight-nation tournament, which begins in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 21.

Bangladesh will clash with Pakistan in their opening Group-B league match next Sunday. They meet India the following day and China on September 24.

South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and Malaysia are in Group A.

The winners will qualify for the 2006 World Cup.

Bangladesh team:

Goalkeepers: Russel Khan Bappi, Mahabubullah Chowdhury Shakil

Defenders: Isha Mia, Shamsuddin Tuhin, Hedayetul Islam Khan, Shahidullah Khokan, Mohammad Faruq Ahmed.

Midfielders: Musa Mia (capt), Shahidullah Tutu, Mirazul Ahsan, Rahul Kanti Roy.

Forwards: Ashraful Islam Shishu, Zahidul Islam Rajan, Ariful Islam Prince, Russell Mahmud Gimi, Maududur Rahman Shuvo.

Coach: Abdur Razzak.—APP