Narrow loss for hockey team

Bangladesh under-21 hockey team started the 8th Junior Asia Cup campaign with a 3-1 defeat against Pakistan at the Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium in Kuantan, Malaysia yesterday.

The charges of Mahbub Harun, who have been placed in Pool B alongside Pakistan, Oman and South Korea, conceded the lead in the 29th minute when Ali Mubashar struck for Pakistan. However, Bangladesh went to the break level after Sabbir Hossain equalised in the 32nd minute.

But Mohammed Billal struck four minutes after the restart before Riaz Rana wrapped it up with a third in the final minute of the game.

The under-21 team, which had 25 training sessions before leaving for Malaysia, features nine players from the senior team. The coach, before their departure, said his target would be to avoid finishing bottom in the eight-team competition, which will see top-four sides clinch berths in the Junior World Cup.

Bangladesh will take on Oman in their second game today.