Nation's hopes of a maiden semifinal berth in any international hockey tournament were shattered when Japan thra-

shed a demoralised Bangladesh team 4-1 in a highly con troversial match, the last In the preliminary round of the third Junior Asian hockey championship in Singapore on Wednesday.

At the tiny Delta Sports Complex, Bangladesh, who were leading at the breather by a lone goal, suddenly found ev erything against their way In the second session as the

German umpire unfairly helped the beleaguered Japanese to pump In four goals for a passage Into the last four along with India from Group A.

C Slgbrecht. the controversial German umpire who had earlier come under strong Bangladesh protest In their penultimate group league en gagement against Malaysia on Monday, first awarded two short corners much to the dis belief of Bangladesh within the first ten minutes of the second half. Japan duly converted those to take a 2 1 lead.

The man in black then awarded Japan a penalty stroke In the 47th minute leaving the Bangladesh players in a state of bedlam along with a couple of hundred boisterous supporters in Singapore, fore Ing the proceeding* to be sub pended lor about four minutes.

Most of the Bangladeshi players crowded the German In protest against what they termed a ridiculous decision which, according to them, de served not even a penalty corner. The obvious outcome was that three Bangladeshi players ■ Nixon. Haider Alam and Musa Miah — got marching orders. And. when the match resumed. Japan took a 3 1 lead by converting the penalty stroke.

Bangladesh, who had to play with eight men for the next 12 minutes, conceded another goal during that time and eventually left the ground de Jected at a loss they perhaps did not deserve

Earlier a 17th minute

strike from centre-forward Alamgir Alam put Bangladesh on the right track.

With this defeat Bangladesh, who made a magnificent start with a historic 2-1 win over fancied India, finished in a distant fourth position in the group with four points.

The win enabled Japan to Cp Malaysia for a place in the st four along with India, who emerged as Group A champl ons defeating Malaysia 4-2 In the first match of the day.

India will meet South Korea in the first semifinal while Pakistan, who finished top from the other group, will play Japan In the second semifinals

On the other hand. Bangladesh will meet China on June 7 In a series of matches to decide the other positions.