Bangladesh Fight Hard but Fall Short: India Win Khaleda Zia IHF Nations Trophy
Bangladesh looked the taller Indian side in the eye and fought hard, but in the end experience made the difference. India beat hosts Bangladesh 28-16 in the final to win the Begum Khaleda Zia IHF Nations Trophy.
In the final played on Thursday (22 October) at the Shaheed Captain M Mansur Ali Stadium in Paltan, Dhaka, the neighbouring country finished the tournament unbeaten to become champions. Ana Alonso Fragua's side, who had also lost to India in the league phase, were beaten again in the final of the four-nation women's handball tournament.
Bangladesh showed a fighting spirit from the start of the final. The first 10 minutes were closely contested, with the home side, lifted by the crowd, putting up strong resistance against India's powerful attack.
Gradually, however, India took control of the match, leading 14-9 at half-time. With superior finishing skills and experience, the visitors steadily stretched the gap.
After the break Bangladesh tried to reduce the deficit, but their attacks repeatedly broke down against India's compact defence and the resolve of their goalkeeper, while India capitalised on their chances to widen the lead further.
Sakiba, Nishi and their teammates made a desperate late attempt to get back into the match but could not succeed. Goalkeeper Diksha Kumari played a big part in India's win by saving several Bangladeshi attempts, and was named player of the match for her outstanding performance.
India's Bhawana Sharma was named the tournament's best player for her consistent performances throughout, which played an important role in India's unbeaten run.
Despite the defeat, Bangladesh's road to the final had not been easy: the hosts reached the final by beating Nepal and the Maldives in the league phase. But having also lost to India in the league, they could not close the gap in the final.
Earlier, on Wednesday, Nepal beat the Maldives to win the bronze medal. India thus finished champions of the four-nation event, Bangladesh runners-up and Nepal third.
A colourful cultural programme followed the final. The chief guest, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin, then handed over the prizes to the winners.
Also present were Bangladesh Handball Federation president Major General Abu Mohammad Sarwar Farid, general secretary Salahuddin Ahmed and tournament committee coordinator S M Khalekuzzaman Swapan.
Although the trophy slipped away, the fight shown by Bangladesh's women against a strong side like India is proof of the progress of women's handball in the country. Stakeholders believe the experience of such an international tournament at home will make the team more mature in the days ahead.
