Bangladesh hit Thailand for five in Asian Games Hockey Qualifiers

Bangladesh made a flying start to their Asian Games Hockey Qualifiers campaign thumping Thailand 5-0 Friday night in Oman's Sultan Complex. The men in red and green, who are the defending champion of the Asian Games Qualifiers, led the Thais 1-0 after the first quarter. Bangladesh were the favourite leading upto the game and their performance justified that tag as Sarwar Hossain and Hasan Jubair Niloy gave them a 2-0 lead inside the first half an hour, the former scoring in the 14th minute and the latter in the 27th. Milon Hossain, Romman Sarkar and Mamunur Rahman Chayan netted one apiece in the 35th, 47th and 51st minute respectively to complete the rout.

---

Also read: Bangladesh eye top spot in Asian Games Hockey qualifiers

---

Mahbub Harun's charges will take to the field Sunday in their second game against Hong Kong, who routed Afghanistan 19-1 in their opening match. Bangladesh though would have happy memories leading upto the Hong Kong clash as they beat them 4-2 in the AFH Cup two years ago. The men in red and green, who underwent two months of preparation for the event, earlier beat Kazakhstan 5-0 in a practice match Thursday. Niloy, Chayan, captain Russel Mahmud Jimmy, Khorshedur Rahman and Rabby got their names on the scoresheet. The 2018 Asian Games will take place in Indonesia from August 18-September 2. The champion and runners-up side in the qualifiers will make it to the final round in Jakarta.