Aminul unveils training plan for archery and shooting

Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque unveiled the initiative during a visit to the Tongi Archery Training Academy on Saturday, where he also pledged immediate action to stop a proposed waste dumping site beside the venue.

The government will introduce year-round training programmes for shooting and archery after the upcoming Asian Games as part of an ambitious long-term plan to deliver medals at the South Asian Games, Asian Games and ultimately the Olympic Games.

Calling archery one of Bangladesh's brightest medal prospects, Aminul said the government would ensure athletes receive uninterrupted training in a professional environment.

"If the federation formally informs me about the matter, I am ready to do everything within my capacity," the former footballer said.

The state minister said shooting and archery have been identified as priority disciplines under the government's long-term sporting vision.

"Following the Prime Minister's directives, we have started from ground zero with a five-year plan aimed at winning medals at the Olympic Games," he said.

To strengthen the talent pipeline, the government also plans to establish Sports Villages in all 64 districts.

The minister also revealed that 15 to 16 archers have already been included in the government's sports allowance and sports card programme to provide greater financial support.

Earlier, Aminul inspected the ongoing Joint Training Programme and the President's Challenge Cup Archery Tournament at the academy.

He was received by Bangladesh Archery Federation president Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapal, general secretary Syed Tanvir Raihan and other federation officials.