Bangladesh women’s team will face Iran in the second semifinal of the 17th Asian Games women’s kabaddi today. While the women’s team are eyeing the final of their event and grab at least the silver, the men’s team have only themselves to blame as they lost to Thailand by 37-36 points yesterday to conclude their event in an all-losing note.
Bangladesh men were dominant in the first-half and earned two lonas to lead 18-16 during the interval. Bangladesh looked to run away with the game as they resumed to take a quick 15-point lead, 33-18 points. But the Bangladeshi players meekly surrendered as they eventually lost the lead and the match by one point. Skipper Ziaur Rahman, the most important player of the team, did not take the field due to injury. It was reported that he incurred the injury before the game though he did not disclose it.
Back in 2010 in Guangzhou, Bangladesh women lost to Thailand by 34-23 points in the semifinals. Iran fought India in the other semifinal and lost 23-22. India were the eventual gold medalists. It would be mentionable that women’s kabaddi was introduced in the Asian Games in Guangzhou. As per the rules both the losing semifinalists are assured of a bronze medal.
