Bangladesh started their 2016 Kabaddi World Cup campaign with a thumping with over first-timers England. With combined efforts coming from the raiders and defenders, Bangladesh ended with a 52-18 scoreline.
For Bangladesh, captain Aruduzzaman Munshi and Mohammad Sabuj Mia scored eight match points each, while Tuhin Tarafder scored six points.
Meanwhile, for England, Tope Adewalure was the top-scorer with eight match-points. Seven of his points came from successful raids. Captain Someshwar Kalia was given the first yellow card of the tournament, after he slapped a Bangladesh raider.
Bangladesh next play two-time winners India on Tuesday at 9pm.
Bangladesh have seven new faces in the squad and prepared for the tournament for the best part of the last two months. They did not play any practice matches during this time. Bangladesh Edible Oil Limited is sponsoring the side.
Prior to their departure, Bangladesh skipper Arduzzaman said they are targeting a silver medal in the World Cup where they have finished third in both the previous editions.
The World Cup is being held after a nine-year hiatus.
“We desire to retain the bronze medal but our target is to claim the silver. India are hot favourites in our pool so our main opposition are South Korea. If we can defeat them, we can rightfully expect a silver,” said Arduzzaman.
Earlier in the tournament opener, hosts and favourites India suffered a shocking 34-32 defeat at the hands of powerhouse South Korea.
Besides Bangladesh, England and hosts India, Group A also comprises South Korea, Australia and Argentina while Group B contains two-time runners-up Iran, Thailand, Japan, USA, Kenya and Poland.
Thursday, June 04, 2026
