Bangladesh Finish Sixth in Asia Cup After 6-1 Defeat to Japan, Face Pakistan in World Cup Qualifier Playoff

Bangladesh concluded their Asia Cup Hockey campaign in sixth place after a heavy 6-1 defeat to Japan in the fifth-place playoff on Sunday at Bihar Sports University Hockey Stadium in Rajgir, India. The loss secured Japan’s fifth position and direct qualification for the World Cup Qualifiers, while Bangladesh now face a crucial three-match playoff series against Pakistan to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

The Tigers started brightly, earning three penalty corners early in the match but failed to capitalize. Japan, in contrast, were clinical, with Ryosuke Shinohara and Koji Yamasaki scoring in the first quarter. Bangladesh held their own in the second quarter, but Japan took control in the third, netting twice in quick succession and adding a fifth goal early in the final quarter. Amirul Islam pulled one back for Bangladesh, but Japan responded swiftly to seal a commanding 6-1 victory.

This marks the second consecutive Asia Cup where Bangladesh have finished sixth, matching their result from the previous edition. Their best performance in the tournament remains a fifth-place finish in 1982. With Pakistan withdrawing from this Asia Cup due to political reasons, the Asian Hockey Federation introduced a playoff system, pitting the sixth-placed team against Pakistan. The winner of this series will join the Asia Cup’s top four teams and Japan in the World Cup Qualifiers. Ranked 29th globally, Bangladesh now face a formidable challenge against the 14th-ranked Pakistan to secure their place in the next stage of World Cup qualification.

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