Bangladesh’s women’s kabaddi team claimed a historic bronze medal at the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, ending a 14-year wait for a podium finish in the competition.
The team fell to a heavy 50-31 defeat against India in the semi-finals, but reaching the last four was enough to secure third place and their first medal in the tournament since 2012.
Bangladesh made a competitive start, keeping pace with India’s raiders and defenders through an encouraging first half that ended 22-15. The seven-point deficit left hopes of a comeback alive at the interval.
Those hopes, however, faded quickly after the break. India’s experienced raiders took control, stretching their lead with authority as Bangladesh struggled to contain them defensively in the second half.
Before reaching the semis, Bangladesh had suffered a narrow 38-36 group stage defeat to Nepal in a tightly contested match. That result meant they finished second in the group, setting up a semi-final clash with India. The match had originally been scheduled for Friday but was postponed due to rain and rescheduled for Sunday morning. Nepal led 19-17 at half-time and held firm after the break to edge Bangladesh by just two points. Finishing as group runners-up, Bangladesh knew that even a semi-final defeat would guarantee them a bronze medal, as both losing semi-finalists receive third place.
