Bangladesh launches inaugural World Archery Asia President's Challenge Cup

Bangladesh's growing stature in international archery reached another milestone on Thursday as the inaugural World Archery Asia President's Challenge Cup and Joint Training Programme got under way in a festive atmosphere at the Tongi Archery Training Academy in Gazipur.

The four-day event, which runs until August 2, was inaugurated by State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad. While representatives from 26 countries are involved as archers, coaches, officials and technical delegates, competitors from 17 nations are contesting the recurve individual and mixed team events.

The tournament reflects the vision of World Archery Asia President and newly elected Bangladesh Archery Federation President Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapol, who believes Bangladesh can emerge as a genuine force in world archery.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Chapol noted that although he has served as World Archery Asia President for nearly eight months, he assumed the presidency of the Bangladesh Archery Federation only a week ago. He stressed that the federation has consistently delivered on its promises, recalling how Bangladesh surpassed expectations by winning 10 gold medals at the South Asian Games when only one had been anticipated.

Looking beyond immediate success, Chapol set an ambitious target for the nation.

"If Bangladesh is to win an Olympic medal, perhaps we may not achieve it in 2028, but Insha'Allah, with our present young generation, we will bring an Olympic medal home in 2032," he said.

State Minister Azad, meanwhile, pledged to improve the environment surrounding the Tongi venue, acknowledging concerns over nearby waste management and promising to raise the issue with the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Environment and other relevant authorities.

He also emphasised the government's commitment to curbing noise pollution, describing it as essential not only for sport but for society as a whole.

With international expertise, joint training sessions and competitive action under one roof, the event offers Bangladesh's archers an ideal platform to sharpen their arrows before aiming higher on the global stage.