China exit bodes well for Bangladesh

Holders Bangladesh are expected to be under less pressure in their AHF Cup title defence as top-favourite China withdrew from the tournament, set to begin tomorrow in Indonesia.

"If we can reach the semifinals, then we will have easier matches in the semifinals as China pulled out," said Bangladesh Hockey Federation's acting general secretary Mohammad Yousuf, who is accompanying the boys in red and green to Jakarta.

Bangladesh will start the campaign by taking on hosts Indonesia on the opening day.