ছবি: Ariful Islam Named Player of the Match in Consecutive Games
The Bangladesh U-21 hockey team has made history by qualifying for the Hockey Junior World Cup for the first time. Despite missing the semifinals of the Junior Asia Cup after a narrow defeat to Malaysia, the team accomplished their ultimate goal, marking a significant achievement in the nation's hockey history. On Tuesday, Bangladesh secured their World Cup berth by defeating Thailand 7-2. They followed it up with an emphatic 6-3 victory over China on Wednesday, finishing fifth in the tournament.
Commanding Performance Against China
The match against China, held in Muscat, Oman, was a dominant display by Bangladesh. In their earlier group-stage encounter, the two teams drew 1-1, leading them to face weaker opponents, Thailand, in the placement matches. While China stunned Korea in their preceding game, they couldn’t replicate that performance against Bangladesh.
The game started evenly, with the first quarter ending in a 1-1 draw. However, Bangladesh took control in the second quarter, scoring three goals to China’s one, heading into halftime with a 4-2 lead. The third quarter saw China narrow the margin to 4-3, but Bangladesh sealed the win with two more goals in the fourth quarter, finishing the game at 6-3.
Path to World Cup Qualification
Bangladesh’s qualification journey was marked by grit and resilience. After finishing their group-stage matches with a 1-1 draw against China, they secured a crucial win against Thailand in the fifth-to-eighth placement round. The 7-2 victory not only ensured their spot in the World Cup but also showcased the team's offensive firepower and defensive coordination.
Recognition and Reception
The Bangladesh U-21 team is set to return home on Thursday to a hero’s welcome. The players and coaching staff will be received directly by the President of the Hockey Federation and the Chief of Air Staff, reflecting the importance of this achievement. The Hockey Federation has also planned a grand reception to honor the team’s historic feat.
Head coach Mawddudur Rahman Shuvo expressed pride in his team’s performance:
"We may have fallen short of the semifinals, but our primary goal of World Cup qualification has been achieved. This is a monumental moment for Bangladesh hockey."
Looking Ahead
As the men’s team celebrates its success, attention now shifts to the Bangladesh U-21 women’s team. The women’s squad has already arrived in Oman to participate in the Junior Women’s Asia Cup, which begins on December 7. The team hopes to replicate the men’s success and bring more glory to Bangladesh hockey.
A New Chapter for Bangladesh Hockey
This historic qualification underscores the growing potential of hockey in Bangladesh. With the World Cup ahead, the U-21 team will aim to build on this momentum and establish themselves on the global stage. The recent victories reflect the result of strategic planning, focused coaching, and the players' hard work.
The achievements of the U-21 team could serve as a turning point for the sport in Bangladesh, inspiring a new generation of athletes and drawing greater attention to hockey’s development nationwide.
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