Bangladesh emerge AHF Cup champions

Dhaka, June 22 (bdnews24.com) – Bangladesh became unbeaten champions in the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) Cup with a massive 6-1 win over Oman in the final Sunday in Singapore.

It was the first-ever title for the Bangladesh national hockey team outside home as they finished top in the last edition of the AHF Cup in Dhaka beating Oman 5-3 in tiebreaker in the final.

Bangladesh along with three other semifinalists have already qualified for the finals of the Asia Cup to join six automatic qualifiers – Japan, South Korea, India, Pakistan, China and Malaysia. The meet is likely to be held in September, 2009, but the venue is yet to be finalised.

Bangladesh, who made only draw against hosts Singapore in the group-stage matches, got off to a fine start dominating the first half 3-1. Later in the second half, they added another three goals to end their AHF Cup campaign well.

Defender Mamunur Rahman Chayan struck two goals while Jahidul Islam Rajon, Krishna Kumar, Rimon Kumar Ghosh and Sheikh Mohammad Nannu netted one goal apiece for the champions, according to a message from Bangladesh Hockey Federation.

bdnews24.com/ar/ja/2006 hrs