Bangladesh women storm into quarterfinals as unbeaten pool champions

Bangladesh emerged as unbeaten champions of the Challenger Pool of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup Hockey, cruising past Hong Kong 6–0 in their final pool match in China today.

The emphatic victory saw the women in red and green finish the pool stage with a perfect 12 points from four matches, setting up a quarterfinal clash against the third-placed team from the Elite Pool, with either Korea or Japan their likely opponent tomorrow.

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Bangladesh had earlier registered convincing victories over Chinese Taipei, Pakistan and Kazakhstan before completing their dominant pool campaign against Hong Kong.

In a one-sided encounter, Airin Akter and Mst Lima scored twice each, while Sharika Rimon and Kona Akhter added one goal apiece to seal Bangladesh’s fourth consecutive win.

Bangladesh’s attacking strength has been one of the major highlights of their campaign. They scored 22 goals in four matches, conceding just one goal, which came against Pakistan.

The impressive run has also lifted Bangladesh players to the top of the tournament’s scoring charts. Sharika Rimon leads the scorers with six goals, followed by teammate Airin Akter with five. India’s Purnima Yadav is also on five goals.