The Bangladesh men's Under-18 hockey team has commenced its Asia Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, securing a commanding 3-0 victory over Hong Kong in their opening Pool A match in Dazhou, China, on Thursday. This strong start bodes well for the 2016 tournament runners-up as they navigate a challenging group.
Forward Din Islam proved the undisputed star of the show for Bangladesh, netting a superb brace that firmly established his side's control. His first goal came in the 20th minute, breaking the deadlock and giving Bangladesh a deserved lead. He followed this up with another strike in the 26th minute, doubling the advantage and putting Hong Kong under immense pressure. Din Islam's impressive performance throughout the match rightly earned him the coveted player of the match award. The victory was then sealed in the 43rd minute when Amit Hasan added a third goal, wrapping up a convincing performance.
Bangladesh finds itself in a highly competitive Pool A, which includes continental powerhouses Pakistan and hosts China, alongside Sri Lanka and Hong Kong. The opening win provides a crucial boost as they prepare for their next group-stage fixture against Sri Lanka, scheduled for July 5. The team will be looking to carry this momentum forward as they aim to progress from what is considered a tough group.
Meanwhile, anticipation is building for the Bangladesh women's Under-18 team, who are poised to make their tournament debut tomorrow. They face a formidable challenge in their opening match, taking on the highly-fancied Japan.
The women's side has been drawn into Pool A, where they will compete against Japan, Uzbekistan, and Hong Kong. This marks a significant step for women's youth hockey in Bangladesh, and they will be eager to make a positive impression on the international stage.
