Bangladesh crowned Women's Junior AHF Cup champions

Bangladesh's women's U-20 hockey team were crowned unbeaten champions of the Women's Junior AHF Cup after defeating Kazakhstan 2-0 in the final in Muscat, Oman, on Saturday.

The triumph is Bangladesh women's hockey's first-ever international title at any level. The U-21 side had finished runners-up in the tournament in 2024 to qualify for the Junior Asia Cup.

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Bangladesh entered the five-team tournament final with a perfect record, including a 2-1 victory over Kazakhstan in the group stage, and produced another dominant display to deny their opponents any chance of an upset.

Airin Riya, later named the tournament's Rising Star, broke the deadlock with a field goal in the 15th minute before Nadira Ema doubled the lead four minutes later by converting a penalty corner.

Neither side managed another goal over the remaining three quarters as Bangladesh comfortably held on to secure the title. Captain Sharika Rimon was named Player of the Final.

The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations, with the Bangladesh players applauding the expatriate supporters who had cheered them throughout the match. Carrying a giant Bangladesh flag handed to them by fans in the stands, the champions completed a lap of honour to celebrate a landmark triumph.