BD fall to India despite fight

India defeated Bangladesh 28-16 in the final match of Begum Khaleda Zia IHF Nations trophy at the Shaheed Captain M. Mansur Ali Stadium in the Capital on Thursday.

India clinched the title in the four-nation women’s handball tournament, remaining undefeated throughout the event.

Before the final, Bangladesh had only lost to India-a defeat by a significant margin. Bangladesh reached the final after victories over Nepal and the Maldives.

In Thursday’s final, India led 14-9 at halftime. In the second half, the scenario shifted rapidly, and India extended their lead.

Indian Goalkeeper Diksha Kumari thwarted one attempt after another from Bangladesh.

With an incredible performance, she also earned the Player of the Match award. Meanwhile, India’s Bhavana Sharma was named the Player of the Tournament.

Despite the loss to India in the final, Bangladesh women’s handball team Coach Ana Alonso Fragua is satisfied with the team’s overall progress.

She believes the squad is on the right track to develop the capability to compete against any nation in South Asia.

However, the Spanish Coach has emphasised the need for improved physical fitness, better defensive play, and rigorous, year-round training to ensure the team can remain competitive on the international stage.

Earlier, on Wednesday, Nepal secured the bronze medal in the Begum Khaleda Zia IHF Nations Trophy by defeating the Maldives.