Bangladesh Under-20 women’s hockey team continued their strong start to the Junior Asia Cup with a 5-1 victory over Pakistan on Sunday, moving to the top of the Challenger Pool with two wins from two matches.
The result came after Bangladesh opened the tournament with a 7-0 win over Chinese Taipei. They now have six points from their first two games.
Nupur gave Bangladesh the lead in the ninth minute at China’s Moki Training Ground, finding the net with a field goal. Nadira Emma extended the advantage in the second quarter.
Pakistan responded by strengthening their defence, but Bangladesh remained in control of the attacking play. Sarika Rimon added a third goal from a penalty stroke in the 33rd minute.
Pakistan reduced the deficit through Sarika in the 41st minute, but Bangladesh quickly restored their three-goal cushion. Kona Akter scored in the 43rd minute to make it 4-1.
Irin Akter then sealed the victory in the 57th minute, converting a penalty corner to complete the scoring.
Bangladesh are competing in the Junior Asia Cup for only the second time. They finished ninth in the 2024 edition, while India are the defending champions.
The 10-team tournament features two pools. Bangladesh are in the Challenger Pool with Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong. China, Japan, India, South Korea and Malaysia make up the Elite Pool.
The top three teams from the Challenger Pool will join all five Elite Pool teams in the quarter-finals. The fourth- and fifth-placed sides in the Challenger Pool will play for ninth and 10th place.
