Bangladesh archers gear up for Bangkok, eyes recurve and compound medals

Bangladesh’s archery team are all set to fly off to Bangkok on Friday, aiming to clinch medals at two major international events.

The 14-member squad will compete in the Asia Cup World Ranking Tournament Stage-1 from 21 to 28 March, followed by the World Archery Para Series from 31 March to 5 April.

The country’s archery scene has witnessed significant changes in recent years.

Former medalist Ruman Shana has moved to the United States with his wife, archer Diya Siddiqui, while another seasoned archer, Ashim Kumar, has also relocated abroad.

In the wake of these departures, the Bangladesh Archery Federation has focused on building a new generation of archers, raising hopes for success not only in recurve but also in compound events.

“We have bounced back,” said Tanvir Ahmed, general secretary of the archery federation.

“This time, we are aiming for medals in both recurve and compound categories.”

The archery federation stressed that regular participation in international competitions is key to developing young talent.

Officials believe this year’s team, strengthened by rigorous preparation and training, is more confident and ready than previous squads.

At the Asia Cup, Bangladeshi archers will compete in both recurve and compound divisions.

In the World Archery Para Series, two of the nation’s para-archers will represent the country.

The team held a pre-departure photo session before flying to Bangkok on Friday night.

The archers traveling to Bangkok include recurve specialists Ramkrishna Saha, Rakib Mia, Abdur Rahman Alif, and Sonali Roy; and compound archers Aishwarya Rahman, Newaz Ahmed Rakib, Himu Bachhar, Kulsum Akter Moni, and Bonna Akter.

For the Para Series, Zuma Akter and Al Amin Hossain will take part. Coaches Martin Frederick, Nure Alam, and Imdadul Haque Milon will accompany the team.

Tanvir expressed confidence in the squad’s medal prospects, saying, “We aim to win at least one medal in every Asia Cup. Previously, our recurve team brought success. This time, we hope to achieve medals in compound events as well. I believe our compound archers are more mature and prepared than ever before.”