Bangladesh qualify for a Hockey World Cup for the first time

On Tuesday in Muscat, Oman, Bangladesh defeated Thailand 7-2 in the Asian Under-21 Hockey Championship, earning a ticket to the Junior World Cup. Currently positioned fifth, Bangladesh await a sixth-place playoff match. Even a loss in this match would still ensure their spot in the World Cup.

There was a time when hockey brought glory to Bangladesh. Expectations soared for a brighter future. However, those golden days faded, and success in hockey became a distant dream. The sport gradually vanished from discussions in the country's sporting arena, primarily due to its lack of achievements.

Yet, amidst the darkness, a ray of hope has emerged—a monumental feat has been achieved. For the first time in history, Bangladesh has secured a place in a hockey World Cup.

The Junior Hockey World Cup will be held in India next year. As hosts, India is already guaranteed a spot in the tournament, in addition to securing their qualification through reaching the semi-finals.

In total, seven teams from Asia will participate in this global event, including Bangladesh, who clinched their spot with a commanding win over Thailand under the leadership of Maududur Rahman Shuvo.

The ongoing Asian Under-21 Hockey Championship, which began on 26 November, features ten teams. Bangladesh kicked off their campaign with a 3-1 victory over hosts Oman in Group B.

However, they suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat against Pakistan in their second match. Showing resilience, Bangladesh secured a 2-2 draw against strong opponents Malaysia in the third match, followed by another 2-2 draw against China in their fourth. In their fifth match, Bangladesh crushed Thailand to turn their World Cup dream into reality.

Bangladesh displayed dominance against Thailand, taking the lead in just the third minute through Mohammad Joy's angled strike. Three minutes later, Amirul Islam doubled the lead with a powerful hit from a penalty corner.

The third goal came in the 16th minute, with Mohammad Abdullah calmly pushing the ball into the net from close range. Despite occasional counterattacks, Thailand managed only two goals in the 60-minute match, as Bangladesh goalkeeper Nayan and the defence stood firm.

Thailand scored their first goal in the 30th minute through Chueme Krystyna's ground hit from their second consecutive penalty corner. The third quarter saw even more goals. Four minutes into the quarter, Mohammad Hassan scored with a reverse hit after receiving a pass from a teammate. Thailand netted their second goal in the 35th minute.

Two minutes later, Bangladesh scored their fifth goal. Mohammad Khan capitalised on a pass from Mohammad Islam, lightly redirecting the ball to secure the goal. In the 39th minute, Mohammad Joy added another goal with a reverse hit, and the final goal came in the 48th minute, as Mohammad Abdullah sealed the emphatic victory for Bangladesh.