Hosts Bangladesh emerged champions in the Youth (U-17) group of the four-nation Bangabandhu  IHF Challenge Trophy Women’s Handball '2023 beating their giant rival India by 46-43 goal in a keenly contest final at the Shaheed Captain (Retd) M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium here on Wednesday. 

This is the first victory for Bangladesh against  India in any national and age level handball meet.

With the feat, Bangladesh youth team will now play in the second round of this tournament as the champions of South-Central Asia Zone-2. 

Secretary General of Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) Syed Shahed Reza witnessed the final as the chief guest and later he distributed the trophies. 

Bangladesh Handball Federation (BHF) president AKM Nurul Fazal Bulbul and general secretary Asaduzzaman Kohinoor, tournament organizing committee’s chairman and former senior secretary Md. Aminul Islam were also present in the prize distribution ceremony

The ups and down final match was locked in 20-20 goal in the first half, but it was more exciting and nerve shattering one in the 2nd half.

Bangladesh were went down by 10-16 goal in the first 20 minutes of one hour long match, later captain Marfe, Runa Layla, Tania and Dipa salvaged team from debacle.

Pradnya Balaso Mane of India got marching order in the 44th after receiving red card while Bangladesh captain and team's highest scorer Marfe also got marching order in the 55th after receiving the 3rd yellow card in the match.

But, Runa Layla, Dipa Rani and Tania with their extra ordinary performances covered the absence of Marfe and led the team towards their first ever victory against giant India

Captain Marfe scored the team highest 15 goals, Runa Layla 24, Tania 20 and Dipa Rani 5 goals for the champions Bangladesh While Renuka of India scored the match highest 16 goals.

Later, Marfe of Bangladesh was adjudged the best youth player of the tournament.

After the match, the excited Bangladesh Youth team coach Dalia Akter termed the result as surprise. "Before the start of the tournament, I told all that my team will show b did in the final.

I am very happy with the performance of the girls. I never beat India in my playing career, but for the first time as a coach I was able to ensure that achievement. It’s difficult to beat India in any game, especially in handball is more difficult.,” said the proud coach.

After the match, the captain Marfe said: “I am very happy. Thanks to all coaches, players, officials, everyone who supported us a lot.” 

She also didn’t forget to give a big thank to the local crowds, who came to the stadium to support the Bangladesh team in the final match.

Later in the Junior (U-19) group, India clinched the title beating Bangladesh by 48-17 goals in the final at the same venue Wednesday afternoon.

Cheton Sharma of India was adjudged the best junior player of the meet.