Published: 01:47 AM, 19 October 2026
Bangladesh make dazzling start in IHF Nations Trophy
The Bangladesh women's handball team kicked off their international campaign on a winning note on home soil. The hosts secured a commanding 33-20 victory against Nepal in the opening match of the 'Begum Khaleda Zia IHF Nations Trophy 2026 Asia Zone-2' at the Shaheed Captain M. Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium on Sunday.
Bangladesh was sharp in their attack right from the whistle. Although Nepal tried to put up a fight in the first half, they struggled to keep pace with the hosts. Bangladesh held a 13-9 lead at halftime. In the second half, Spanish coach Ana Alonso's team widened the margin significantly, ultimately leaving the court with a victory.
Alpana Akter was the chief architect of Bangladesh's win, earning the Player of the Match title by scoring 7 goals alone. Alongside Alpana, Misti Khatun and Shyamoli Ming were highly effective in the attack, netting 6 goals each. Captain Ismetara Nishi scored 5, Sayma Jannat Sima 4, and Masuda Akter added 2 goals. Purnima Rani, Anuradha Pahan, and Tasnia Rahman Arsha contributed one goal each.
The four-team tournament is being played in a single-league format. Starting the campaign with a massive win will boost Bangladesh's confidence in their race to the final. This victory also brings added satisfaction for the hosts, as it avenges their defeat to Nepal in the 2019 SA Games. Bangladesh will face India in their second match tomorrow.
Amidst captivating cultural performances and a festive atmosphere, the four-nation international handball tournament, the "Begum Khaleda Zia IHF Nations Trophy," has officially kicked off in the capital.
Supported by the International Handball Federation (IHF) and organized by the Bangladesh Handball Federation (BHF), the competition was inaugurated on Sunday morning at the Shaheed Captain M. Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium.
State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, attended the morning's opening ceremony as the chief guest and officially declared the tournament open. Following the announcement, he formally inaugurated the event by releasing colorful balloons. This was followed by a mesmerizing 15-minute group dance and cultural exhibition at the center of the field.
In his address, the State Minister for Sports stated that hosting international sporting events is a matter of unique pride for Bangladesh. This endeavor to bring the senior women's teams of host Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, and Nepal onto a single platform reflects the country's commitment to enhancing regional harmony and brotherhood.
In his welcome address, Abu Mohammed Sarwar Farid, President of the Bangladesh Handball Federation, stated that Bangladesh has once again emerged on an important stage in international handball.
Highlighting the significance of the tournament's naming, the Federation President said, "We have proudly dedicated this tournament to the three-time Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia. She is a firm believer in women's empowerment, equal rights, dignity, and overall social progress-which remains an eternal inspiration for us."
He further added, "The IHF Nations Trophy is not just a competition for trophies or medals; it is a glorious celebration of women's courage, strength, confidence, struggle, and leadership. This event will generate new momentum and unveil a horizon of new possibilities for the development of women's handball in Bangladesh and Asia Zone-2."
Host Bangladesh, alongside India, Nepal, and the Maldives, are competing in this single round-robin league tournament. The league-stage matches will run from October 18 to October 20. The third-place deciding match will be held on October 21, and the international tournament will draw its curtains with the grand finale on October 22.
