The Bangladesh youth kabaddi team moved to the verge of securing a bronze medal at the 3rd Asian Youth Games after defeating Pakistan 56-29 in their fifth match of the men’s kabaddi event at the Isa Sports Centre in Bahrain on Wednesday.
The boys in red and green were in complete control from start to finish, outclassing a Pakistan side that has long held the upper hand over Bangladesh at senior level. Leading 27-14 at half-time, Bangladesh extended their advantage in the second period with a commanding 29-15 scoreline to seal a comprehensive victory featuring four lonas.
The result keeps Bangladesh firmly in the race for a podium finish, following the girls’ team who claimed bronze a day earlier.
Bangladesh had earlier beaten Iran and Sri Lanka but lost narrowly to India and Thailand. They could have secured their bronze medal on Wednesday had they avoided the 49-42 defeat to Thailand. The team will now face table-toppers India on Thursday, while hosts Bahrain, who remain winless, are also in action.
After Wednesday’s play, India lead the seven-team table with five wins from as many matches. Iran are second with four victories from six games, while Bangladesh and Pakistan both have three wins, with Bangladesh having played one match fewer.
If Bangladesh can manage at least a point against Bahrain, they will guarantee a top-four finish and a bronze medal. Thailand still have an outside chance of joining Bangladesh and Pakistan on points if they upset India.
There also remains a slim chance for Bangladesh to reach the final against India. To do so, they must record a large-margin win over Bahrain to overtake Iran on point difference.
