Bangladesh will take on Thailand on Saturday in a hugely important Women’s Kabaddi World Cup encounter. A victory in this clash will secure the women in red and green a place in the semi-finals and confirm Bangladesh’s first-ever medal in the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup. A defeat, on the other hand, would deny them silverware.
In the first edition held in India in 2012, Bangladesh topped their group and reached the quarter-finals, where they narrowly lost 15-17 to Japan, eventually finishing fifth.
This year, the hosts have taken to the court under coaches Arduzzaman Munshi and Shahnaz Parvin Maleka with the clear aim of improving that position.
The Group ‘A’ match will begin at 10:30am at the Shaheed Suhrawardi Indoor Stadium in Mirpur. This will be Bangladesh’s fourth match of the tournament. The hosts began their campaign with a 42-22 win over Uganda, followed by a commanding 57-27 victory against Germany. In their third match, they suffered their first defeat, losing 18-43 to defending champions India. After three matches, Rupalí Akter’s side have collected four points.
Thailand, too, have four points. Despite starting their campaign with a heavy 20-65 points defeat to India, they bounced back by defeating Uganda 51-37 in their second match before a 47-17 points win against Germany on Friday.
Despite having defeated Thailand 42-27 in the Asian Championship, Bangladesh coach Shahnaz Parvin Maleka is not taking this match lightly. Ahead of this crucial fixture, she said,
“There are a few minor injuries in the team. It’s nothing serious – injuries are part of the game. We are prepared. The girls have been instructed clearly on how to approach the match. We have finalised the strategy during video analysis sessions. We ask for everyone’s prayers so that we can bring something good for the country.”
India's domination
India maintained their winning run in the second Women’s Kabaddi World Cup, taking another step forward in their quest to retain the title they first won in 2012.
At the Mirpur Shaheed Suhrawardi Indoor Stadium on Friday, India secured their fourth win with a 51-16 points victory over Uganda. With eight points from four matches, they have confirmed their place in the semi-finals.
India had defeated Thailand, Bangladesh, and Germany in their previous three matches.
Despite being champions of the Africa region, Uganda could not stand up to India, who hold the edge both in tradition and strength. India dominated the first half, heading into the break with a commanding 30-6 lead.
The dominance of Ritu Negi, Sakshi Sharma and their teammates continued in the second half. Although Uganda showed slight improvement compared to the first half, they posed little real challenge. The African side eventually fell to a 51-16 defeat.
Uganda had earned their first win against Germany after losing to Bangladesh and Thailand.
