Bangladesh target winning start against Nepal

Bangladesh will look to begin their campaign with a victory when they face Nepal in the opening match of the Begum Khaleda Zia IHF Nations Trophy at the Captain M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium in Paltan today (Sunday).

The four-nation women's international handball tournament will be inaugurated by State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque at 11am, followed by cultural performances. Bangladesh and Nepal will meet at 2pm, while India take on the Maldives in the day's other match at 4:30pm.

The five-day competition features Bangladesh, India, Nepal and the Maldives. Hosts Bangladesh face a stern opening test, having lost their last two encounters against Nepal. The visitors also have a strong contingent, with eight players from their national squad representing the country's army team.

Bangladesh will rely heavily on goalkeepers Sumaiya Banu and Mosammat Ayesha Khatun as they seek to overcome the challenge. Sumaiya, an experienced international from Naogaon who represents Border Guard Bangladesh, has been playing for the national team since 2016.

She said the team had completed three months of intensive preparation under Spanish coach Ana Alonso Fragua, including video analysis of their opponents.

"Our preparation is excellent, and this is the first time we have had a foreign coach. If we can execute the coach's directions properly, we will do well, Inshallah," Sumaiya said.

She added that the team had studied Nepal's playing style and hoped to make the most of its previous experience against them.

Ayesha, from Jashore, joined the handball setup after being discovered at a school trial in 2022. She said the Spanish coach had helped her adapt to modern goalkeeping techniques.

"The playing style of goalkeepers in European countries is completely different from ours. We hope to implement some of that European style into our game," Ayesha said.

She expressed confidence that Bangladesh were ready to challenge all three visiting teams and stressed the importance of starting with a win against Nepal.

All matches of the tournament will be broadcast live on the Bangladesh Handball Federation's official Facebook page.