Bangladesh U-20 handball team secured semifinal spot in IHF Trophy at Shaheed Captain M Mansur Ali Stadium today. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, June 12, 2026 (BSS)- Bangladesh reached semifinal in U-20 category of the International Handball (IHF) Trophy beating their Maldives counterpart by 39-17 goals in a match held at Shaheed Captain M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium in the capital today (Friday).

The day’s victory, their second in succession, also secured top spot in Group B.

Bangladesh produced a dominant display against the Maldives. Among the standout performers was Shumol Tanchangya, whose contribution proved difficult to ignore. He finished the match with seven goals, matching the tally of Sohag Ali as the pair shared top-scoring honours.

Bangladesh, having finished as Group B champions, will take on Yemen, the runners-up from Group A, in the first semi-final tomorrow (Saturday). The other last-four clash will see Group A winners’ India face the Maldives.

Shumol's performance earned him the player of the match award, a milestone he admitted meant a great deal, ”Handball is a team game. We won because everyone contributed.” he said after the match.
 
“This is my first individual award in an international competition, so naturally I feel very happy. From the opening match, I believed I could make a positive impact and show what I am capable of. Thankfully, things worked out well today,” he added.

Earlier, in the day, Bangladesh's Under-18 side suffered a 39-35 defeat to India in another closely contested encounter. Their campaign continues on Saturday when they face Nepal, while India will meet Afghanistan in the division's other fixture.