Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Dec 8, 2025 (BSS) - Amirul Islam scored his fifth hat-trick in the 
tournament as Bangladesh U-21 hockey team won the challenger trophy of FIH 
Hockey Men's Junior World Cup beating Austria by 5-4 goals in the place-
deciding match (17th, 18th) held in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India today 
(Monday).

Thanks to Amirul for his impressive performance once again that helped 
Bangladeshis to win Challenger trophy. Amirul scored a total of eighteen 
goals, the highest scorer in the Youth Hockey World Cup so far. He has taken 
Bangladesh to a different level with his performance in the World Cup.

Bangladesh took the lead in the first quarter with Amirul Islam opened 
Bangladesh's account converting a penalty corner in the 15th minute.

In the second quarter, Hozifa Hossain doubled the lead scoring the second 
goal for Bangladesh converting a penalty corner in the 27th minute and 
Rakibul Hasan further widened the margin for Bangladesh scoring a field goal 
in the 35th minute of third quarter giving Bangladesh a 3-0 lead.

Andor reduced the margin for Austria with a field goal in the 44th minute.

In the fourth quarter, Amirul Islam scored his second and fourth goal for 
Bangladesh converting a penalty stroke in the 50th minute but Benjamin pulled 
one back for Austria scoring the second goal in the next minute.

Amirul completed his fifth hat-trick in the tournament scoring the fifth goal 
for Bangladesh again converting penalty stroke in the 52nd minute of the 
match. 

Austria however responded with two quick goals in the 57th and 59th minutes 
through Kaiser and Nyckowiak respectively, sparking hopes of a dramatic 
comeback. However the boys in red and green held their nerve in the closing 
minutes to secure a narrow, yet deserved victory and booked their 17th place 
in the tournament.