The Bangladesh Under-18 girls' hockey team made a memorable impact in their inaugural appearance at the AHF U-18 Asia Cup in Dazhou, China, securing a commendable third-place finish yesterday (Sunday). Meanwhile, their male counterparts concluded their tournament in fourth position, following a hard-fought battle for the bronze medal.
The girls' team, participating in this continental championship for the very first time, capped off their historic campaign with a convincing 6-2 victory over Kazakhstan in the third/fourth place decider on Sunday. Despite an early setback, with Kazakhstan opening the scoring, Bangladesh swiftly seized control. They netted six unanswered goals in a dominant display before Kazakhstan managed a late consolation. The standout performance came from Airin Akter Riya, whose impressive hat-trick not only propelled her side to victory but also earned her the 'best player' accolade for the match. This bronze medal represents a significant achievement for the burgeoning women's hockey programme in Bangladesh, laying a strong foundation for future international endeavours.
Conversely, the Bangladesh boys' team were unable to secure a podium finish, succumbing to a 5-2 defeat against Malaysia in their own third/fourth place play-off. In a match that mirrored their earlier losses to formidable opponents Pakistan and Japan, Bangladesh demonstrated considerable resilience. They managed to keep pace with Malaysia for much of the game, with crucial goals from Jony Islam and Mohammad Mehedi ensuring the scoreline remained tight until the third quarter.
However, the 'boys in red and green', who had notably been runners-up in the last edition of this tournament nine years ago, ultimately faltered in the decisive final quarter. They conceded three goals in quick succession, allowing Malaysia to pull away and secure a comfortable victory, denying Bangladesh a medal. This late collapse highlighted a recurring challenge for the team against higher-ranked opposition.
A critical factor impacting both Bangladeshi teams throughout the tournament was the severe lack of preparation. Neither the boys' nor the girls' squads had the opportunity to play any proper practice matches ahead of the competition. Their only competitive outings prior to the tournament's commencement were brief, 30-minute scrimmages against Kazakhstan, for both groups, just a day before the first whistle. Despite this significant handicap, the girls' team's ability to secure a bronze medal is particularly noteworthy, underscoring their raw talent and determination in the face of adversity. The tournament, for both sides, will serve as a valuable learning experience, providing crucial insights into the demands of international competition and the areas requiring urgent development.
