Bangladesh’s gold signals progress towards LA 2028

Bangladesh’s compound men’s team delivered a performance of composure, precision and unity to clinch a historic gold medal at the Asia Cup Archery World Ranking Tournament (Stage-1) in Bangkok, defeating a strong Vietnamese side 231-225 in Friday’s final.

The trio of Himu Bachhar, Aishwarzo Rahman and Nawaz Ahmed Rakib showcased outstanding consistency throughout the tournament, underlining Bangladesh’s growing stature in compound archery.

Their journey to the peak was marked by grit and control—overcoming Malaysia to reach the semi-finals before edging Bhutan 232–228 in a tense contest to secure a place in the final.

In the gold medal match, Bangladesh asserted dominance from the very beginning.

Taking an early lead, the archers maintained relentless pressure, displaying clinical accuracy and remarkable mental strength to keep Vietnam at bay until the final arrow.

The team’s overall average of 9.62 reflected their high standard, with Himu leading individually with an impressive 9.75.

Head coach Martin Frederick praised the team’s preparation and cohesion as the foundation of their success.

“We focused heavily on team preparation and bonding during our training camp. That unity made the difference,” he said. “From the first arrow, the team controlled the match and didn’t allow Vietnam any opportunity to come back. It was a complete performance.”

Looking ahead, he added, “This victory is an important step forward. With compound archery now part of the Olympic programme, it gives us confidence as we build towards major events like the Asian Games and Los Angeles 2028.”

Aishwarzo highlighted the importance of teamwork and communication under pressure.

“Our strength was our bonding. We constantly supported each other, shared feedback and solved problems together,” he noted. “That understanding helped us stay calm and perform in crucial moments.”

For Himu, the triumph carried deep personal significance.

“Winning gold at the international level has always been my dream,” he stated. “I tried to give a strong start in every end so my teammates could build on that confidence. Seeing the national flag rise is an unforgettable feeling.”

Bangladesh fielded a 10-member squad in Bangkok, though the campaign saw mixed results in other events.

The compound women’s team narrowly missed the semi-finals after a heartbreaking 230-229 defeat to Thailand, while the recurve men exited in the quarter-finals.

Yet, this gold medal stands as a defining achievement-signalling Bangladesh’s steady rise and growing belief on the continental archery stage.