Bangladesh’s Under-18 women’s hockey team booked a place in the semi-finals of the Asia Cup on their very first appearance, defeating Hong Kong China 3-0 in their final pool match on 7 July in Dazhou, China.
After a goalless first half, Kona Akter broke the deadlock in the 34th minute with a field goal. Irene Riya doubled the lead in the 42nd minute from a penalty corner, before Sharika Rimon added the third in the 57th minute, also from a penalty corner.
Despite earning three penalty corners in the opening quarter and creating opportunities in the second, Bangladesh were initially unable to convert. However, they maintained control throughout the match at the National Hockey Training Centre and ultimately sealed a commanding win.
The result meant Bangladesh finished second in their group with six points from three matches, having previously defeated Uzbekistan 3-0. Their campaign began with a heavy 11-0 loss to tournament favourites Japan, who topped the group with nine points from three matches.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh U-18 men’s team are also well on course for a semi-final berth in their edition of the Asia Cup. They lead their group with three wins from three matches, and will need just a point from their final group game against Pakistan to confirm their place in the last four.