Bangladesh defeated by Nepal 45-27 points in the final match of the five-match Test series yesterday, securing a 4-1 triumph. However, Nepal’s historic victory over Bangladesh in the second match grabbed much focus, with the visiting team’s captain Ghanshyam Roka Magar eventually becoming the best raider of the series. Ghanshyam had earlier played a key role in taking their country to the final of 2024 Bangabandhu Gold Cup Kabaddi, using his experience from the Indian Pro Kabaddi League where he played for Haryana Steelers. The youngster spoke to The Daily Star’s Anisur Rahman about the just-concluded series and Nepal’s rapidly-improving kabaddi team after the fifth match. Following are excerpts from the interview.

The Daily Star (DS): How would you describe the experience you gained in the five-match Test series against Bangladesh?

Ghanshyam Roka Magar (GRM): It has been a really good experience for us because we defeated Bangladesh for the first time. We performed well throughout the series. Beating Bangladesh for the first time in 20-25 years is a big achievement. Bangladesh also provided us with excellent facilities here, and we appreciate their efforts. We hope to use the experience gained here to perform better in the South Asian Games and the Asian Games in the coming days. However, we still need to improve and learn from our mistakes so that we can compete at a higher level.

DS: What went wrong in the last two matches after Nepal’s strong performances in the second and third matches, including a victory in the second one?

GRM: Nothing went wrong. It was more of a technical issue and a lack of team coordination, which prevented us from performing as expected.

DS: What is your response to your officials’ allegations about poor umpiring?

GRM: It was only a technical issue.

DS: What, according to you, is the difference between Bangladesh and Nepal?

GRM: I think Bangladesh have more experienced players, while Nepal have a younger team. The only difference, in my opinion, is experience.

DS: Some say Nepal’s kabaddi team now revolves around you. How do you feel about such a compliment?

GRM: No, no. Kabaddi is a team sport, and you can’t achieve anything alone without the support of your teammates. There is no such thing as leading Nepal single-handedly. I am just the captain of the Nepal kabaddi team, and I am happy with that role.

DS: Nepal introduced a franchise-based kabaddi league like the Indian Pro Kabaddi League this year. What impact has it had?

GRM: It was held in Nepal for the first time, and I think it is the second-biggest kabaddi league after the Indian Pro Kabaddi League. It has been a great opportunity for Nepalese kabaddi players and will help us improve in the coming days. We have set our sights on winning medals in the upcoming South Asian Games and Asian Games.