India clinch final spot with big win over Bangladesh

India had a dominating win over Bangladesh on Monday. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

India secured a place in the final of the Begum Khaleda Zia IHF Nations Trophy after delivering a dominant performance against host nation Bangladesh, whose coach and players admitted to being outmatched by the opposition's superior height and pace.

India asserted complete dominance from the opening whistle at the Shaheed Captain M Mansur Ali Handball Stadium in Paltan on Monday, handing the red-and-green side a heavy 47-13 defeat in their second match of the tournament. The visitors took a commanding 24-8 lead into halftime, leaving Spanish coach Ana Alonso Fragua's side with no way back into the contest.

India's Bhawana was named player of the match after a brilliant individual performance, scoring 13 goals single-handedly.

The venue is familiar ground for Bhawana, who has previously played in Bangladesh's domestic league.

"This is my third time coming here. I played in the local league twice before for local clubs. It feels great to be back," Bhawana said after the match. "The people here are very warm and supportive, and the hospitality is excellent."

Expressing confidence ahead of the title clash, she added: "Our team coordination is very strong. We are confident we will return home with the gold medal."

Having defeated the Maldives in their opening fixture, India clinched a spot in the final with a game in hand. They will face Nepal in their final group match.

Despite the setback, Bangladesh’s hopes of making the final are far from over. A victory over the Maldives in their final group match tomorrow will guarantee them a spot alongside India in the final.

Reflecting on the match, Bangladesh coach Ana Alonso pointed to the gap in preparation and development between the two sides.

"Today’s result reflects the difference between two programs at different stages," Alonso said. "India has been working exceptionally hard over the past year, whereas Bangladesh is working hard, but at a different level. Naturally, there is a difference in physical conditioning and handball skills, which was evident on the court. Our goal now is to continue improving over the coming months and years so we can compete on equal terms with India."