Bangladesh youth hockey teams set for Asian challenge

Bangladesh men’s and women’s teams will begin their campaigns in the AHF U-18 Asia Cup on Saturday in Kakamigahara, Japan, with both sides aiming to make a strong start in the continental youth tournament.

The tournament, organised by the Asian Hockey Federation, is being held from May 29 to June 6 at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium in Gifu Prefecture.

The Bangladesh men’s team have been placed in Group B alongside Malaysia, Pakistan and China. Bangladesh will open their campaign against China on Saturday before facing Pakistan on Sunday and Malaysia on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh women’s team are in Group B with hosts Japan, China and Chinese Taipei. The girls will start their campaign against Chinese Taipei on Saturday before taking on Japan on Sunday and China on Tuesday.

Ahead of the tournament, the Bangladesh men’s side played a practice match against India on Thursday and managed a draw, according to a message from the Bangladesh Hockey Federation.

The men’s competition features eight teams divided into two groups, while the women’s event also consists of eight teams split into two pools. The top teams from the group stage will advance to the classification matches.