Bangladesh national women’s hockey team earned their first-ever point in their Asian Games debut after holding Kazakhstan to a thrilling 3-3 draw in Gifu, Japan on Friday.
Airin Riya, Kona Akter and Orpita Pal scored one goal each for Bangladesh, while Viktoriya Lobanova completed a hat-trick for Kazakhstan in an entertaining Pool A encounter.
Riya gave Bangladesh an early lead, converting from a penalty corner in the second minute. The lead lasted until the 21st minute, when Viktoriya levelled the score.
Viktoriya struck again in the 32nd minute to put Kazakhstan ahead, but Kona restored parity in the 40th minute.
Viktoriya completed her hat-trick in the 37th minute before Orpita brought Bangladesh level again with a penalty-corner goal in the 47th minute.
Bangladesh earned 10 penalty corners during the match, compared with Kazakhstan’s three.
The draw ended a difficult start to the campaign for the women in red and green, who had suffered heavy defeats against China (13-0), Malaysia (3-1) and South Korea (8-0) in their first three Pool A matches.
Bangladesh will face Chinese Taipei in their final group fixture on Sunday.
Bangladesh team
Heemadri Sukh (GK), Neel Neeladri, Ninisen Rakhain, Mosammat Khatun, Fardiya Ratry, Sharika Rimon, Riyasha Rishi, Kona Akter, Nadira Ema, Orpita Pal (C), Airin Riya
Subs: Mohua (GK), Sanjida Moni, Mosammat Lima, Fatema Tuzzohora