Captain calls for more exposure as Bangladesh fall to India despite fight

India players make a wall in front of goal in the final against Bangladesh. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Bangladesh fought hard but could not prevent India from winning the Begum Khaleda Zia IHF Nations Trophy, losing 28-16 in the final at the Shaheed Captain M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium in Paltan on Thursday, as captain Ismetara Nishi called for regular international exposure to help the team improve.

Overcoming their opponents' height advantage, Ana Alonso Fragua’s charges stayed close in the opening 10 minutes before India took control to lead 14-9 at half-time. India, who had thrashed the hosts 47-13 in a group-stage match, widened the gap after the break, with Bangladesh unable to convert several opportunities despite their determined efforts.

India goalkeeper Diksha Kumari proved a major obstacle, producing a series of saves to earn the player-of-the-match award. Her compatriot Bhawana Sharma was named player of the tournament.

Despite the defeat, Nishi praised her teammates’ efforts but stressed that a lack of international matches had hindered their development.

Bangladesh team celebrate with the runners-up trophy. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

“Honestly, we don’t get tournaments. We played international games in 2019, and then played again in 2024. If we get international games regularly, we can do much better,” Nishi said after the final.

“The more international games we play, the more we will improve, our players will gain maturity, their skills will develop, and they will perform even better.”

The Bangladesh captain also pointed to the difference in opportunities between the two sides, noting that India regularly compete in major events, including the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

“If we can participate in these tournaments, it will definitely benefit us, and one day we will also go a long way,” she said.