Brave India goes down to Bangladesh

In a keen contest, where the scoreboard swung routinely, Bangladesh emerged winners 5-4 against India in their opening match of the first 4th Sub Junior Asia Cup that started today in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Playing against full stands on one side, getting vocal support on every move upfront, Bangladesh held on to the initial moments of aggression to defeat India in any age group competitions perhaps first time in their hockey history.

Doughty defender Mohd. Ashraful Islam struck first goal in the 15th minute off their first penalty corner, and then he struck three more in the 30th, 38th and 62nd minutes to douse Indian fire whenever they came out with goals.

Fittingly, Ashraful was declared Man of the Match for his four goals.

India neutralized his first goal in the 21st minute through Dharminder Singh who converted a penalty stroke but thereafter it was back-pedalling.

In the 22nd minute Konjengban I Singh gave India the lead when he connected a right flank cross past Yeasin Araft, the rival goalie.

India however, plunged into defensive mode, and started giving away penalty corners, and then their defence too became easily vulnerable.

Bangladesh kept the moment and attack from both flanks, giving tough times to Indian defence managed by Hardik Singh and captain Sanjeev Xess.

When India equalized the score to 4-4 with a gem of a goal from young Dilpreet Singh, and with 17 minutes to go, the match was anybody’s guess, but misfiring Indians were kept at bay by the Bangladesh players.

India managed to get four penalty corners in the spell, but lacked cohesion, thrice no shots were taken, the indirect going haywire, and then the Bangladesh players putting their heart out, put in brave, deadly defence. Even twice their players had to be taken off the turf on stretcher.

Eight minutes before time, when a ball struck Nilam’s left foot, Islam again came out with a grounder to break the 4-4 deadlock.

Despite Indians desperate attempts at goal, Bangladesh held on to the scoreline, to give moments of joy for the hosts.

Tens of people even plunged into the ground for a wild celebration.
The way Bangladesh team celebrated Indian win appeared today is not opening day but the final day!