Massive loss for hosts

Hosts Bangladesh got off to a frustrating start in the Treat FIBA Asian U-18 Basketball Championship Qualifiers in Dhaka yesterday, losing their opening match against regional powerhouse India by 31-90 points.

The hosts trailed the first half by 13-57 points. India's Bishal Kumar netted highest 15 points while Mohammad Ali and Sajib scored nine and six points respectively for Bangladesh.

India later beat Sri Lanka by 127-52 points while in the day's most exciting match, Nepal edged Sri Lanka by 65-64 points. Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka in their last match of the competition today.

The champion team from this four-team group will qualify for the continental championship, which will be held in Iran next month.