Published: 11:01 AM, 19 September 2026
Bangladesh begin Asian Games Hockey campaign with big defeat
Bangladesh began their men's hockey campaign at the Asian Games with a 5-0 defeat to South Korea in their opening Group A match. The match was played at Kawasaki Juko Stadium in Japan on Friday.
South Korea took control of the match early. They led 3-0 at half-time. Korea scored three goals in the second quarter. Bangladesh could not score in the first half.
Korea added one goal each in the third and fourth quarters. Bangladesh remained scoreless throughout the match. The final score was South Korea 5-0 Bangladesh.
Bangladesh will now look to bounce back in their next match.
Bangladesh will face host Japan on September 22 before playing Sri Lanka, Indonesia and India in its remaining group-stage matches on September 24, 26 and 28 respectively at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh's women's hockey team will make its Asian Games debut against China on September 20 at Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium.
On the other hand, Bangladesh U-18 boys hockey team has been invited to participate in the 2026 Hockey5-A side World Cup, marking a new milestone for the country's youth hockey, said a press release.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) recently extended the official invitation to Bangladesh after the team finished as the first standby side at the U-18 Hockey5-A side Asia Cup held in Muscat, Oman, in July.
The Asia Cup also served as the qualifying tournament for the World Cup, with three teams securing direct qualification.
The U-18 Hockey5-A side World Cup will be held in Ismailia, Egypt, from December 7 to 12.
Bangladesh's participation in the global event will provide the young players with an opportunity to showcase their talent at the international level.
