National Archery Championship returns, federation maps year ahead

After being postponed three times, the National Archery Championship is finally ready to take off from 21 January.

Originally scheduled last month, the tournament was delayed due to political unrest, which raised concerns about athlete safety. With parliamentary elections approaching in February, uncertainty had clouded the event’s fate, but the Archery Federation has now decided to hold the championship.

Tanvir Ahmed Alo, General Secretary of the Archery Federation, told Daily Sun, “The tournament was first planned for October but had to be postponed to prepare for the Asian Archery events. In November, school exams prevented it, and in December, safety issues caused another delay. It has been postponed three times already, so this time we are determined to make it happen. If we don’t do it now, it simply won’t take place this year.”

The National Championship is just the beginning. The Federation is also putting together a comprehensive calendar for the entire year, aiming to streamline all competitions and activities. “Every January, we create a calendar that shapes the whole year for archery. We are currently updating it with input from coaches and officials. If all goes well, it will be finalized this month. Even during the championship, we may make some adjustments and will consult our coach Martin, who is currently away, before finalising everything,” Tanvir explained.

With the championship set and the yearly plan in motion, the Federation is sending a strong signal - 2026 promises a structured, competitive season for archers, providing them with a clear roadmap and exciting opportunities to shine on both national and international stages.