Bangladesh ensured the spot of finals in the youth and junior section of the ongoing Bangabandhu IHF (international Handball Federation) Challenge Trophy, while India also paved the way as the hosts continued their winning run on the second day of the meet on Sunday, reports BSS.
Held at Shaheed Captain M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium, Bangladesh thrashed Nepal 50-04 in the youth or U-17 section in the first match of the day, while Bangladesh junior or U-19 women's team also continued their winning streak with a dominating 23-09 win against lowly Nepal.
In the other two matches of the youth and junior section on the second day's fixture, India routed Maldives by 42-14 and 55-9 goals respectively.
The outcome of these two wins rocketed Bangladesh to the finals as both Nepal and Maldives remained pointless with one match to spare. Bangladesh and India both have six points apiece and will lock horns in the last group matches of both the sections tomorrow (Monday) at the same venue.
Despite getting a big win, the coach of the Bangladesh youth team, Dalia Aktar, expressed some regret. She said: "We may have won by a margin of many goals, but if the opponent were tough, I could handle myself a little better."
Explaining the reason, she said that our next match is against mighty India and they play world class handball, so it would have been better for us if we had a stronger opponent.
Commenting about Dipa Rani, who played a major role in Bangladesh's crushing victory, the Bangladesh coach lauded her performance by saying that Dipa" consistently in the last match and she has done remarkably well in every position wherever she has been given to play.
Amjad Akhnd, the coach of the Bangladesh junior team, looked forward to putting on a good show against India. "I fielded some new players today and observed them closely. I am satisfied with their performances against India ... we have to raise our game, my boys are determined to fight till the end."
Bangladesh vs India match timings:
Youth U-17 section 3 pm, Junior U-19 Section 4.30 pm.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
