Bangladesh hold South Korea

The Bangladesh national hockey team finally notched up a creditable 3-3 draw against South Korea, following successive defeats against the same opposition, in their fourth practice match in South Korea yesterday.

Although Bangladesh were beaten by the hosts in the last three matches, the charges of Iman Gobinathan Krishnamurti put up their best performance so far in the Korean peninsula to ensure yesterday's draw.

The men in red and green even had the advantage at one point and could have stunned their mighty opponents after taking a 3-1 lead in the fourth and final quarter but they ultimately lost their two goal cushion and had to be content with a draw in the penultimate match. The five practice matches were arranged for both teams as a part of their preparations for next month's Asian Games in Jakarta.

Defender Khorshedur Rahman gave the visitors the lead in the seventh minute but South Korea hit back to level the margin in the 23rd minute. Khorshedur got Bangladesh's nose in front again in the 37th minute before Pushkor Khisha Mimo made it 3-1 in the 51st minute, raising hopes of an upset, but South Korea bounced back strong as they scored two goals in the 52nd and 53rd minute respectively to end the game in a draw.

Bangladesh will play their final practice match against South Korea today.