A new chapter in Asian archery governance unfolded on Wednesday as World Archery Asia approved the largest budget in its 50-year history during its third Executive Board meeting under the leadership of Bangladeshi sports organiser Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapol.
The virtual meeting, chaired by Chapol, unanimously approved a budget of Tk 6.14 million (Tk 61,41,390) for the upcoming Joint Training Programme and World Archery Asia President Challenge Cup, scheduled to be held in Bangladesh in late July and early August. According to officials, it is the first time the continental body has sanctioned a budget exceeding half a crore taka for a single programme.
The meeting also addressed several key administrative matters, including future development programmes, team participation in international events and the appointment of jury chairpersons.
Speaking after the meeting, Chapol described the approval as a landmark moment for the sport in Asia.
He said, “This is the first time such a budget has been approved in World Archery Asia's history. We presented an unprecedented proposal and it received unanimous support. It reflects our commitment to
expanding opportunities across the continent.”
Elected as the first Bangladeshi President of World Archery Asia in November last year, Chapol has pledged to reshape the continental landscape through his “One Vision, One Asia” philosophy, seeking to narrow the competitive gap between established powers and emerging nations.
As part of that vision, nine participating countries in the joint training camp will receive four sets of archery equipment free of charge. Yemen has recently been added to the programme, while support is also being extended to developing archery nations such as Bhutan. Chapol further revealed that Oman, Maldives and Brunei are set to join the organisation, increasing World Archery Asia's membership from 41 to 44 nations.
One of the highlights of the Bangladesh event will be the newly introduced President Challenge Cup, a concept launched during Chapol's presidency. Teams are expected to arrive in Dhaka from 29 July, with training and competition activities running from 30 July to 2 August at the newly renovated Tongi Archery Training Centre.
In a move designed to promote gender equality and youth development, World Archery Asia will cover accommodation and meals for six athletes from each participating nation. Teams must comprise equal numbers of male and female archers, while at least two athletes must be from youth categories.
Adding a unique twist, mixed teams will be formed through a lottery system in accordance with International Olympic Committee principles, pairing archers from different nations. Medal winners will also receive prize money and gifts.
The programme will be conducted under the supervision of German coach Martin Frederick. A comprehensive educational component is also planned, with anti-doping specialists from Qatar and a medical team from India delivering sessions on sports injuries, nutrition, physiology and sports psychology.
For Chapol, a long-time architect of Bangladesh's archery rise and now the continent's most influential archery administrator, the record-breaking budget represents more than financial investment. It is another arrow released towards his broader target, transforming Asian archery into a more competitive and inclusive arena on the world stage.
