Bangladesh down Uzbekistan to claim first-ever women’s international hockey win

Bangladesh women’s hockey team followed up their historic debut with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Uzbekistan in the Women’s Asian Games Qualifiers in Jakarta on Friday, securing their first win at international level and strengthening their push for a place in the 2026 Asian Games.

Bangladesh made a bright start at the GBK Hockey Field, with Sharika Safa Rimon opening the scoring, but Uzbekistan responded almost immediately as Khujaeva Madinabonu converted a penalty corner to level the match.

Kona Akter restored Bangladesh’s lead in the second quarter, scoring from open play in the 24th minute to give the side a 2-1 advantage at half-time.

The third quarter saw Bangladesh extend their lead when eventual player of the match Airin Akter Riya converted a penalty corner to make it 3-1. However, Uzbekistan kept the contest alive as Khayadarova Zulkhumor struck from a penalty stroke early in the final quarter to reduce the deficit to one goal.

Set up for a tense finish, Bangladesh, largely comprising Under-21 players, showed composure to hold on to clinch a historic win.

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They will next face Hong Kong on Sunday.