Bangladesh’s historic Asian Games debut in women’s hockey ended in a one-sided defeat as China underlined the huge gap in experience between the two sides with a 13-0 win in their Pool A opener at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara on Saturday.
The result was settled early. Bangladesh kept China at bay for the opening three minutes, but once the defending champions found the breakthrough, the goals came in quick succession.
China, ranked third in the world and the reigning Asian Games champions, scored four times in the opening quarter. Bangladesh struggled to cope with the relentless pressure and went into the half-time break 7-0 down.
The Chinese attack showed no signs of slowing after the interval, adding another six goals to complete a comprehensive victory.
For Bangladesh, however, the match marked the beginning of a new chapter. They became the first Bangladesh women’s hockey team to qualify for the Asian Games after securing their place at the Asian Games Qualifiers in Jakarta in April.
Their historic qualification was sealed with a 2-1 victory over Hong Kong in their final group match. It was the culmination of a significant step forward for a side making its first appearance at the continental multi-sport event.
Much of the squad arrived in Japan from China after taking part in the Junior Women’s Asia Cup. Captain Orpita Pal, goalkeepers Mohua and Heemadri Sukh, along with defenders Neeladri Neel, Ritu Akter and Ninisen Rakhain, joined the team in Japan.
Bangladesh now have little time to dwell on the heavy defeat, with Malaysia awaiting them in their second Pool A match on Sunday.
They will then face South Korea on September 23, Kazakhstan on September 25 and Chinese Taipei on September 27.
