China thrash debutants Bangladesh 13-0 in women's hockey opener

Bangladesh's women's hockey debut at the Asian Games turned into a harsh reality as they suffered a 13-0 defeat to powerhouse China in their Pool A opener at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara, Japan, today.

Bangladesh, who qualified for the Games for the first time in their history just five months ago, held firm for the opening three minutes. But once China broke the deadlock, the floodgates opened.

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The reigning Asian Games champions and Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallists showed why they are ranked third in the world, scoring four times in the first quarter before taking a 7-0 lead into half-time.

China added six more goals after the break to complete the rout.

However, Bangladesh's journey to Japan has been a remarkable one. In their first international assignment, the Women's Asian Games Qualifiers in Jakarta in April, Bangladesh beat Hong Kong 2-1 in their final group game to secure historic qualification for the Asian Games.

Most members of the Bangladesh squad travelled to Japan from China after competing in the Junior Women's Asia Cup. Captain Orpita Pal, goalkeepers Mohua and Heemadri Sukh, and defenders Neeladri Neel, Ritu Akter and Ninisen Rakhain joined the squad in Japan.

Bangladesh have been drawn in Pool A alongside China, Malaysia, South Korea, Kazakhstan and Chinese Taipei.

They will play their second match against Malaysia tomorrow, before taking on South Korea on September 23, Kazakhstan on September 25 and Chinese Taipei on September 27.