Bangladesh lose to Sri Lanka after 20 years, must beat Uzbekistan next

Bangladesh national hockey team are on the brink of elimination from the Men’s Asian Games Qualifiers after suffering a 3-2 defeat to Sri Lanka -- their first loss to the side in 20 years -- in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday.

With two wins from two matches, Sri Lanka advanced to the semifinals and secured qualification for the Asian Games, leaving Bangladesh in a must-win situation against Uzbekistan to keep their hopes of reaching both the semifinals and the Asian Games alive.

Both Bangladesh and Uzbekistan have three points from two matches, but the latter lead on goal difference following today's dominant 9-0 win over Chinese Taipei.

Bangladesh had not lost to Sri Lanka since a 2-0 defeat in the SA Games bronze-deciding match in Colombo in 2006, winning their previous eight meetings since the 2014 Asian Games Qualifiers. They had also thrashed Sri Lanka 5-0 in their most recent encounter during the Men’s AHF Cup in April 2025, but failed to replicate that form this time.

Coming into the match within 24 hours of a hard-fought 4-3 win over Chinese Taipei, Bangladesh were caught off guard as Sri Lanka took an early lead through Seran Bothale, who converted their first penalty corner.

Bangladesh responded through Ashraful Islam, who equalised from a penalty stroke in the 13th minute. However, Sri Lanka regained the lead just three minutes later when Kusal Weerapulu scored from open play.

Sri Lanka extended their advantage in the 49th minute through Suresh Rathnayake, before Amirul Islam pulled one back for Bangladesh by converting a penalty corner in the same minute. 

Despite their efforts, Bangladesh could not find another goal, as Sri Lanka held firm to seal a memorable victory.