Bangladesh women return home today as Asian Games hockey qualifiers runners-up

Bangladesh women's hockey team will return home today (Friday) after finishing runners-up in the Women's Asian Games Qualifying Hockey tournament in Jakarta.

The team was scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 12:15 am following a commendable campaign that saw them reach the final and secure qualification for the upcoming Asian Games.

In the final held on Wednesday, Bangladesh went down 3-1 to Chinese Taipei despite making a bright start. Orpit Paul gave Bangladesh the lead in the eighth minute by converting a penalty corner, but Chinese Taipei equalised in the 17th minute and gradually took control of the match.

The turning point came in the third quarter when Chinese Taipei scored twice, in the 32nd and 40th minutes, to take a decisive lead. Bangladesh fought hard but could not find a way back in the final quarter.

Despite the defeat, Bangladesh can take plenty of positives from the tournament. They opened their campaign with an entertaining 5-5 draw against Chinese Taipei before scripting their maiden international victory with a 3-2 win over Uzbekistan.

A 2-1 win against Hong Kong confirmed their place in the Asian Games, while a solid 3-1 victory over Singapore in the semifinal secured their spot in the final.

The runners-up finish marks a significant milestone for Bangladesh women's hockey, underlining their growing presence on the international stage.