Bangladesh women’s handball team made a strong start to the Begum Khaleda Zia IHF Nations Trophy with a 33-20 victory over Nepal in Dhaka on Sunday.
The hosts controlled the opening match at the Shaheed Captain M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium to secure a comfortable win.
The result also helped Bangladesh put behind their painful defeat to Nepal at the 2019 South Asian Games.
Bangladesh started brightly and put Nepal under pressure with quick attacks. The visitors tried to stay in the contest, but Bangladesh took a 13-9 lead into halftime.
Spanish coach Ana Alonso Fragua’s side played even better after the break. They increased their lead and eventually won by 13 goals.
Alpana Akter led Bangladesh’s attack with seven goals. She also won the Player of the Match award for her performance.
Mishti Khatun and Shyamoli Ming scored six goals each, while captain Ismetara Nishi added five.
Saima Jannat Seema scored four goals and Masuda Akter contributed two. Purnima Rani, Anuradha Pahan and Tasnia Rahman Arsha scored one each.
Four teams are taking part in the tournament, which follows a single league format. Each team will play against the other three before the final.
The opening victory has put Bangladesh in a good position as they look to reach the final.
Bangladesh will face India in their second match on Monday.
