Bangladesh cricket team under the leadership of Litton Das flew for to Japan on Thursday evening.

Bangladesh will begin their Asian Games campaign in the quarterfinals on September 29.

Bangladesh captain Liton Das stresses success in cricket discipline to motivate the other sports of the country in a bid to earn the laurel from the Asian Games. 

“Definitely, being able to do something for the country is a big deal. The cricket is a separate game, but if any game is motivated through us or if an opportunity arises in any other sport through us, we will try it,” Liton said on Wednesday as his side gear up for Asian Games cricket event. 

Bangladesh so far won just one gold medal in the Asian Games that too came through cricket when the men’s cricket team beat Afghanistan in 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games in China. 

The men’s cricket team then won silver and bronze in 2014 and 2022 Asian Games. Women’s team though didn’t win any gold medal, they also won silver in 2010 and bronze in 2014 and 2022 Games. 

Women’s team however failed to earn any medal in the ongoing Games.

Bangladesh so far won 14 medals in the game with cricket contributing 6 with gold. Kabaddi team however earned highest seven medals but they still couldn’t win any gold. The only discipline apart from cricket and kabaddi that earned a medal is boxing.

Liton said the cricket team would be willing to support other sports if opportunities emerged through their success.

“We are keen to bring the laurel for the country. If we can achieve the success, it will not only be good for cricket but also motivate the other sports,” he added.

The Asian Games will be a new experience for Liton, who is taking part in the continental multi-sport event for the first time. He said winning the gold medal would be the team’s main goal.

“If you always win, you will win the trophy, but here it is about gold. It is a big dream, and I think all the players are very excited about this Asian Games,” he remarked.

The Bangladesh men’s cricket team has already gained some insight into the conditions by following matches involving the women’s team.

Liton said the players also hoped to watch other sporting events during the Games and learn from athletes representing different countries.

“We will follow many games. And there is a lot to learn from it because people from many countries will be there. So it is a good thing that you can talk to any sportsman and there is a lot to learn,” he said.

The 2028 Olympics will feature six men's cricket teams. The highest-ranked team from each of Asia, Africa, Oceania and Europe will qualify directly. The United States, as host, will also qualify if it is among the top 15 teams in the ICC T20 rankings. The remaining place will be decided through a qualifying tournament.

Bangladesh will compete with New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for a place in the Olympics.