Bangladesh women drawn in tough group at Asian Games

Bangladesh's women's football team faces a stern challenge at the upcoming Asian Games.

The draw has placed them in Group C alongside three-time champions North Korea, South Korea, and Myanmar.

The draw for the 12-team women's football event was held in Japan on Thursday.

North Korea are the group's most formidable side, having won gold three times at the Asian Games.

South Korea are another continental powerhouse, boasting three bronze medals.

Bangladesh will face a tough examination from the very first match in their bid to reach the knockout stage.

Bangladesh's Asian Games history in women's football is far from encouraging.

The team made their debut at the 2022 Hangzhou edition, suffering an 8-0 defeat to Japan and a 6-1 loss to Vietnam, before drawing 1-1 with Nepal and bowing out in the group stage.

This time, however, Bangladesh enter under different circumstances.

Their maiden AFC Women's Asian Cup appearance and a final heartbreak in SAFF 2026 have given the side considerably more confidence and experience alongside resilience.

The 20th Asian Games will begin on 19 September in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Football, however, kicks off before the opening ceremony, with matches across five venues in five cities starting from 14 September.