Hosts start title defence in style

Bangladesh kicked off their title defence of the Bangabandhu Cup International Kabaddi with a 50-22 points victory over Poland at the National Kabaddi Stadium in Paltan yesterday.

The two-time defending champions had to overcome initial lapses with total teamwork as the hosts trailed by 14-11 points at the end of the first half. Skipper Tuhin Tarafder led the recovery with a fine performance and soon Bangladesh raiders and the defence were firing on full cylinders. Bangladesh added 36 points in the second half and finished the match with flying colours.

Tuhin was adjudged as the player of the match and received Tk 10,000.

The Bangladesh skipper was realistic in his post-match comments.

"We took the proceedings too easily which sent us to the danger zone, however, we got united at the right time. Today six players made their debuts so they were a bit nervous, but we have regained our confidence and we look forward to playing Argentina next. In the World Cup, we beat them by 80-8 points, but this time we expect some strong resistance," Tuhin said.