Riya’s hattrick sends Bangladesh into final

Airin Riya struck a sensational hattrick as Bangladesh booked their place in the final of the Asian Games Qualifiers in Jakarta with a 3-1 victory over Singapore in Tuesday’s first semifinal.

The Bangladesh forward proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter, scoring twice in the closing stages to seal the win and send the women in red and green into the final in their debut senior international campaign.

Coached by Zahid Hossain Raju, Bangladesh will face either Indonesia or Chinese Taipei in Wednesday’s final, with the two sides set to meet in the second semifinal later on Tuesday.

Riya opened the scoring early, finding the net in the eighth minute with a composed finish from close range. Singapore responded swiftly, as Cheryll Chia converted a penalty corner just four minutes later to level the score.

Bangladesh continued to press and created several opportunities, particularly from penalty corners, but struggled to capitalise. With the match heading towards a tense finish, Riya stepped up when it mattered most.

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Tears of resolve and the unlikely success

She restored the lead in the 57th minute after winning possession inside the circle and firing home emphatically. Just a minute later, she completed her hattrick, sliding in a precise cross from captain Orpita Pal to put the result beyond doubt.