Bangladesh and India claim titles at IHF Trophy Zone 2 Asia

The youth (U17) team of Bangladesh and the junior (U19) team of India triumphed at the IHF Trophy Zone 2 Asia, which took place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, between 13 and 17 May 2023. The winners also secured their berths at the Continental Phase of the Women's IHF Trophy.

Following the preliminary round in both competitions, the two best teams, India and Bangladesh, met in the final matches, which were held on Wednesday. At the youth tournament, home side Bangladesh won in a tight battle (46:43), taking revenge for a 33:43 defeat in the preliminary round two days before.

It was a dramatic match, as India led 16:10 after 20 minutes, but Bangladesh drew level at the break (20:20) before snatching a win in a nerve-wracking closing stage. It was a historic result, as Bangladesh had never beaten India at any age level before. 

However, the hosts failed to create a similar surprise at the junior event, as India had the upper hand and celebrated a commanding 48:17 victory. 

The third-place matches took place on Tuesday, and Maldives won bronze at both tournaments, beating Nepal twice – 41:10 at the youth tournament and 22:5 at the junior competition. 

Final ranking
Youth (U17)
1.    Bangladesh
2.    India
3.    Maldives
4.    Nepal

Junior (U19)
1.    India
2.    Bangladesh
3.    Maldives
4.    Nepal

Photo: Handball Federation Bangladesh