Sri Lanka beat Uzbekistan in Asian Games hockey qualifier

Suren Bothale (left) competes for the ball against an Uzbekistan rival 

By Susil Premalal

Sri Lanka made a winning start to the Asian Games 2026 men’s hockey qualifier by defeating Uzbekistan 3–1 in their opening match in Bangkok, Thailand yesterday.
The tournament, featuring nine Asian nations, is being held from April 2 to 10. Sri Lanka is competing in Group ‘B’ alongside Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan while Group ‘A’ has Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Oman and host Thailand.
Sri Lanka dominated the match throughout, leading 2–0 at halftime. 
Goals for Sri Lanka were scored by Seran Bothale, Suren Bothale and Sanda Sudusingha. 
Sri Lanka will face Bangladesh in their second match today followed by their third group match against Chinese Taipei on April 6.