Bangladesh women’s hockey team secured their first-ever Asian Games point with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Kazakhstan in Gifu, Japan, on Friday.
Playing in the Asian Games women’s hockey competition for the first time, Bangladesh recovered from a two-goal deficit to deny Kazakhstan victory.
Bangladesh had never fielded a senior women’s hockey team before beginning their international journey through the Asian Games qualifiers earlier this year. After progressing from the qualifiers, they arrived in Japan for their first Asian Games campaign and suffered defeats in their opening two matches.
They made a bright start against Kazakhstan, with Airin Riya converting a penalty corner in the second minute to put Bangladesh ahead. The lead lasted through the opening quarter.
Kazakhstan levelled six minutes into the second quarter through a field goal, sending the teams into half-time at 1-1.
The Kazakh side then took control after the interval. Viktoriya Lobanova scored twice in the third quarter before completing her hat-trick in the 37th minute, leaving Bangladesh 3-1 behind.
Bangladesh, however, responded immediately.
Kona Akter reduced the deficit in the 40th minute, giving Bangladesh renewed hope heading into the final quarter. Orpita Pal then completed the comeback in the 47th minute, bringing the score to 3-3.
Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages as both defences held firm, leaving Bangladesh with a historic point.
The result marks another significant step for a team that only began its senior international campaign this year. The Asian Games qualifiers in Jakarta served as Bangladesh women’s first senior international tournament, while the draw in Japan delivered their first point on the Asian Games stage.
Bangladesh had previously made history simply by qualifying for the Asian Games in their debut senior campaign. Friday’s comeback against Kazakhstan now gives the side its first result in the competition and its first point.
After two defeats, the draw also keeps Bangladesh on the board in the tournament as their women’s hockey campaign continues.
