Bangladesh open qualifiers with 4-3 win over Chinese Taipei

Bangladesh made a winning start to their Asian Games hockey qualifiers, edging Chinese Taipei 4-3 in a gripping contest in Bangkok on Thursday.

The Royal Thai Air Force Hockey Ground witnessed a see-saw battle, with Bangladesh showing resilience to secure all three points.

Chinese Taipei struck first through Lee Chi-Hsuan in the fourth minute. Bangladesh responded swiftly, as Ashraful Islam converted a penalty corner to restore parity before the end of the opening quarter.

Bangladesh took control in the second quarter. Ashraful struck again from another penalty corner in the 22nd minute to put his side ahead.

The momentum continued after the break, with Amirul Islam extending the lead via a well-worked penalty corner in the third quarter.

The final quarter, however, turned tense. Din Islam added a fourth in the 59th minute, but Bangladesh conceded twice late on, forcing a nervy finish before holding on.

Bangladesh will next face Sri Lanka in their second preliminary match, aiming to build on this hard-fought victory.

The top six teams from the nine-nation qualifiers will progress to the main event, scheduled in Japan this September.