Maldives end IHF Nations Trophy group stage winless after loss to Bangladesh

Maldives finished the group stage of the International Handball Federation (IHF) Nations Trophy 2026 without a win, after losing their final group match to Bangladesh 20-33 in the tournament being held in Bangladesh. Maldives opened the scoring and even built a two-goal lead, but Bangladesh gradually took control and went into halftime leading 16-5. Bangladesh maintained their dominance in the second half, holding a 13-goal advantage by the end of the match. The defeat followed earlier group-stage losses to India and Nepal, confirming that Maldives will not play in the final. In the round-robin format, India won both of their matches to secure a place in the final. Bangladesh will face India in the final, while Maldives will play Nepal in the bronze medal match.