Litton eyes Asian Games gold, urges step-by-step focus

Bangladesh captain Litton Das has set his sights on winning the gold medal in the men's cricket tournament at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, while stressing the importance of progressing one match at a time rather than becoming preoccupied with the final.

Speaking ahead of the team's departure for Japan, Litton said the players had developed strong understanding and cohesion after taking part in an intensive preparation camp and practice matches at home. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has assembled a 15-member squad for the tournament, with the return of experienced batter Najmul Hossain Shanto further bolstering the side. Litton has also gained preliminary insight into Japanese conditions and pitches by watching the women's team play on television; moreover, he believes that a disciplined, step-by-step approach will be crucial to reaching the final and creating an opportunity to claim the gold medal.

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Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have secured direct places in the men's quarter-finals, with Litton's side scheduled to begin its campaign on September 29. Meanwhile, Litton has also looked beyond the Asian Games to cricket's return to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where qualification will be determined by the top six teams in the T20I rankings; Bangladesh currently sit eighth with 224 rating points. However, he said the team should concentrate on performing well in the Asian Games, arguing that success in Japan could eventually help strengthen Bangladesh's prospects of Olympic participation. Bangladesh previously won the men's cricket gold at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou after defeating Afghanistan.