Bangladesh national squad showed commendable courage and determination in coming from behind to force strong South Korea to a one-all draw In the Asia Cup men's hockey championship in the Japanese city of Hiroshima, according to a telephonic message received In Dhaka yesterday

The Koreans, who are to play their last match against Kazakhstan, came up against rather an unexpected challenge from the theoretically weaker Bangladeshi side, finding it very difficult to make inroads to the opponent's defence On the other hand, our boys, apart from foiling each and every move from their stronger opposition. came up with a number of attacks although they failed to capitalise on them The first half remained goalless.

The second half began with the Koreans going flat out for a goal and captain Park Shln-Heum shot them into the lead when he neatly converted a penalty stroke six minutes into the second half.

But the Bangladeshi team was not to be denied. Our play ers stepped up the pressure on the opposition and won the equaliser ten minutes later through Rabiuddin Ahmed Rabi, who slotted home from a penalty corner to make it one-all.

The draw takes Bangladesh s tally to three points from four outings and leaves them ahead of the hosts Japan, who have a game In hard. Earlier. Bangladesh lost their first match to Japan 1-2. were out played in the next match by neighbours India by four goals to nil. and edged out Kazakhstan 2-1.