Bangladesh brightened their medal hopes in men’s kabaddi at the 20th Asian Games with a nerve-wrecking 48-47 points victory over Chinese Taipei in their second Group A match held on Monday at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium in Nagoya, Japan.
Bangladesh led 24-20 at half-time after opening a seven-point advantage at one stage.
The match remained fiercely contested after the break, with both sides attacking aggressively and tempers occasionally flaring. Bangladesh held their nerve cool in the closing stages to secure their second straight victory.
Bangladesh bagged four lonas while Chinese Taipei collected two.
The victory puts Bangladesh in a strong position to reach the semifinals. A win over Japan in their third group match on Tuesday will secure a semifinal place and at least a bronze medal, with India awaiting them in their final group match.
Under kabaddi rules, all four semifinalists are guaranteed medals.
Bangladesh coach Abdul Jalil said defensive mistakes had made the match more difficult than expected but expressed confidence ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Japan.
Earlier on the day’s morning, Bangladesh beat South Korea by 39-35 points in their opening Group A match.