SPORTS REPORTER

After scripting a piece of history in the country’s sports, the Bangladesh women’s hockey team had to settle for the runners-up trophy in the Asian Games Qualifiers after surrendering a lead to suffer a 3-1 defeat to favourites Chinese Taipei in the final at the GBK Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia yesterday.

Bangladesh travelled to Jakarta hoping to secure a place in the upcoming Asian Games in Japan by finishing among the top four, and a second-place finish in the eight-nation tournament is a significant achievement for the senior women’s side, who were participating in an international tournament for the first time following a journey of less than five years.

The women in red and green had given Chinese Taipei a tough challenge in the pool-stage match, which ended in a thrilling 5-5 draw. However, in the final, inexperience and defensive frailties proved costly against an opponent, who had also defeated Bangladesh in the Junior (U-21) AHF Cup in Singapore in 2024.

The final proved to be a bit of a mismatch as Bangladesh lagged behind in experience despite showing some scintillating build-up play on the blue turf.

Orpita Pal gave Bangladesh a deserved lead by converting a penalty corner in the eighth minute, but a fragile backline allowed Chinese Taipei to strike back with two quick goals.

Bangladesh struggled to contain their experienced opponents during transitions and counter-attacks, conceding all three goals from such situations, with defender Neelandri Barua making costly errors in the first two.

Although Bangladesh looked comfortable in possession with crisp passing, they lacked composure inside the striking circle. A lack of variation in penalty corners also made it easier for Chinese Taipei to defend.

Chinese Taipei equalised through open play in the 17th minute when Neelandri failed to control the ball inside the circle, allowing Lai Ya-Han to set up Wang Yu-Chiu, who made no mistake.

Another defensive lapse from Neelandri in transition led to Fan Hui-Yun assisting Mao I-Hsuan, who gave Chinese Taipei the lead in the 32nd minute. Moments later, Zhu Yi-Chun struck the post, sparing Bangladesh further damage.

Kona Akther thought she had equalised in the 33rd minute during a goalmouth scramble, but the effort was disallowed. Chinese Taipei then sealed the match in the 40th minute, with Huang Yu-Ting finishing from Mao I-Hsuan’s powerful strike.