India crowned champions

India defeated hosts Bangladesh 28-16 to claim the Begum Khaleda Zia IHF Nations Trophy women's handball title at the Shaheed Captain M. Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium on Thursday.

Despite a spirited start from the home side, the undefeated Indian team proved too strong in the four-nation tournament final. Bangladesh, whose only defeats in the competition came against India, reached the final after beating Nepal and the Maldives in the group stage.

Bangladesh bravely matched their taller opponents in the opening 10 minutes, but India quickly took control to build a 14-9 lead by half-time. The visitors relentlessly widened the gap after the break as Bangladesh struggled to convert their chances. Home attackers Sakiba and Nishi were repeatedly denied by Indian goalkeeper Diksha Kumari, who won the player of the match award. India's Bhawana Sharma was named player of the tournament.

Despite the final result, Bangladesh head coach Ana Alonso Fragua praised her team's overall progress.

"I am very happy with the tournament. We need to keep working, but we are on the right track to compete against any country in South Asia," the Spanish coach said.

Alonso stressed fitness and defensive solidity as her top priorities. "We cannot just be handball players; we must be complete athletes, possessing the physical conditioning required," she said.

The coach also urged her players to maintain rigorous club-level training throughout the year. "The key is working hard every day, not just during camp periods," she said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Nepal secured the bronze medal by beating the Maldives.