Published: 09:58 AM, 23 April 2026
Bangladesh make losing start in Asian Beach Games
Bangladesh made a losing start in the 6th Asian Beach Games 2026 after a 2-1 set defeat to Maldives in their opening group B match held in Sanya city in China on Tuesday.
Bangladesh won the first set 21-12. However, Maldives fought back strongly in the second set and edged it 23-22, leveling the match at 1-1. In the deciding shoot, Maldives maintained momentum and won 7-4, securing victory over Bangladesh.
In the day's second match, Bangladesh suffered a straight 2-0 set defeat against Pakistan. Pakistan dominated the first set 24-16 and continued their strong performance in the second set, winning 22-18.
Bangladesh will face Qatar in their third group-stage match on Thursday.
Meanwhile, State Minister of Youth and Sports Md. AminulHoque held a productive bilateral meeting in China's Hainan Province to strengthen cooperation in sports. Both sides agreed to expand collaboration in surfing, shooting, volleyball, and table tennis through coach exchanges, technology sharing, and increased scholarships for BKSP students.
State Minister of Youth and Sports Md. AminulHoque is currently on an official visit to China. During the visit, he held a bilateral meeting with XIE JING, Vice Governor of Hainan Province, Chen Tiejun, Director General of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports, and FAN Weizheng, Vice Mayor of Sanya City.
The meeting focused on sports diplomacy, with detailed discussions on extending cooperation in surfing, shooting, volleyball, and table tennis. Both sides agreed on exchanging coaches and technology, increasing scholarship facilities for sports students from BKSP and other institutions, and initiating joint training programs.
Discussions were held on signing bilateral instruments, and future agreements. Notably, the Chinese side agreed to take a cricket coach from Bangladesh.The development of women's and para-sports was also a key part of the dialogue.
State Minister Md. AminulHoque said this cooperation will unlock new opportunities for both countries and help elevate Bangladeshi athletes to international standards.
