Ustad Fazlu, the well-known face of Bangladesh's hockey arena, is no more

Fazlu is the most famous face of hockey arena in Bangladesh. As he was a craftsman in making hockey players, 'Ustad' was added to the name. The entire arena known as Ustad Fazlu. That fool suddenly left everyone today.

International Umpire Shahbaz Ali lives in Old Dhaka. The former hockey player and umpire said about Fazlur's death, "He suddenly fell down at home. He was being taken to Mitford Hospital before...'

Hockey pipeline in Bangladesh was BKSP and Puran Dhaka. Hockey players mainly came from these two places. Fazul has worked with hockey for years in old Dhaka. He has produced numerous players who have played for the national team now and in the past.

Armanitola School is one of the cradles of hockey. He used to teach hockey almost every day in that school field. Apart from Armanitola School, many children and teenagers of old Dhaka have learned to play hockey under Fazlu. Fazlu's departure is a big void in hockey. Former national star player Rafiqul Islam Kamal thinks this lack is irreplaceable, "Fazlu Ustad used to teach hockey selflessly. There is no one like him and never will be. Many people from old Dhaka learned from him and joined BKSP. Some have played in the league and come to the national team.

Fazlu played for General Insurance, Wanderers. After leaving the game, he came into coaching. Even if he did not get the responsibility of national team or junior team coach, he had no regrets.

Fazlur had a very simple life. He earned meager income by teaching hockey. This is what he used to do. Thoughts of financial hardship were constant. Had a brain stroke a few years ago. After a few days of treatment, he recovered and started teaching hockey again. Fazlu left crying in normal life. This dedicated hockey player was recognized with the National Sports Council Award for grassroots work.

Hockey in the country is always in crisis. Despite the change in the political landscape, the crisis persists. Among these, Fazlur's departure is a bigger crisis. The hockey arena mourns Fazlu's demise.