Bangladesh kabaddi near bronze after crushing Pakistan in Bahrain

Bangladesh youth kabaddi team are on the verge of winning a bronze medal at the 3rd Asian Youth Games after beating Pakistan 56-29 with four lonas in their fifth match of the men's kabaddi event at the Isa Sports Centre in Bahrain on Wednesday.

Bangladesh dominated their Pakistani counterparts -- a side that has remained unbeaten against Bangladesh at senior level for a long time -- throughout the game. The boys in red and green led the first half 27-14 before further improving their performance in the second half with a commanding 29-15 score, taking them to the brink of a bronze medal after the girls' team achieved the same a day earlier.

Bangladesh, who had earlier beaten Iran and Sri Lanka but lost to India, could have secured their bronze medal on Wednesday had they not suffered a 49-42 defeat to Thailand. They are scheduled to face leaders India on Thursday, while Bahrain, who are winless, will also play on the same day.

After Wednesday's play, India sit at the top of the seven-team table with five wins from as many matches, while Iran are second with four wins in six games. Bangladesh and Pakistan each have three victories, though Bangladesh have played one match fewer.

If Bangladesh can secure at least a point against winless Bahrain, they will confirm a top-four finish and a bronze medal, as Thailand also have a chance to join Bangladesh and Pakistan with a win over India.

Another possibility, however unlikely, remains: the boys in red and green could even reach the final against India by toppling Iran, provided they record a big win over hosts Bahrain.