Bangladesh’s women’s hockey team have reached the final of the Asian Games qualifiers for the first time in their history, with striker Airin Riya delivering a stunning hat-trick to see off Singapore 3-1 in the semi-final in Jakarta on Tuesday.
It was a result that showed just how far this team has come. Bangladesh are appearing in the Asian Games hockey qualifiers for the first time, and earlier confirmed their place in the games with a win against Hong Kong China on Sunday.
Singapore, who have featured in the Asian Games four times and finished seventh at the 2022 edition, were the more experienced side on paper. But Bangladesh refused to be overawed. Riya broke the deadlock in the eighth minute with a powerful strike to give her side an early advantage.
The lead did not last. Singapore hit back in the 12th minute through Cheryl Chia, who converted from a penalty corner to level the scores. The second quarter passed without a goal, and Fardia Ratri went close early in the third when her effort from inside the circle drifted narrowly wide of the far post.
The match remained in the balance heading into the final quarter, but Bangladesh found their moment with four minutes left on the clock. Riya drove into the circle and struck firmly to restore the lead. Singapore requested a DVO review, but the goal stood.
Any lingering doubt was removed in the 58th minute when Riya calmly finished from close range after latching onto a cross from a teammate to complete her hat-trick. Singapore could find no way back, and at the final whistle Bangladesh’s players erupted in celebration.
Bangladesh will meet either Indonesia or Chinese Taipei in Wednesday’s final, as the two teams are scheduled to play the second semi-final later on Tuesday.
