Archers return home after Asia Cup success 

 
Bangladesh's archers returned home on Sunday buoyed by a historic haul at the Asia Cup World Ranking Tournament Leg 2 in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, with their sights now set on the World Cup, World Championships and Olympics.

Bangladesh won two gold, two silver and two bronze medals, including a maiden Asia Cup gold in the recurve men's team event. Abdur Rahman Alif, Sagar Islam and Abdullah Al Mohammad Rafi overcame Kazakhstan 6-2 in the final after losing the opening set.

Bonnya Akter also broke new ground, claiming her first international individual gold in the compound women's event with a 145-143 victory over Kazakhstan's Milana Burleva. She then joined Sriporna Biswas and Kulsuma Akter Moni in the compound women's team gold-medal winning side, which defeated Kazakhstan 230-220.

Moni added a bronze in the individual event, while Bangladesh's compound men's team and mixed team collected silver.

The returning team was welcomed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by Youth and Sports Ministry Acting Secretary Md Mahfuzul Alam Khan, Bangladesh Archery Federation President Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapol, General Secretary Syed Tanvir Rayhan and Joint Secretary Rubel Hossain.

"This is my first individual Asia Cup gold," Bonnya said. "This success will inspire me to perform well at bigger events such as the World Cup, World Championships and Olympics."

Head coach Martin Frederick said about 80 per cent of the squad were young archers, with the experience gained in Sulaymaniyah expected to prove valuable at December's Asian Youth Championships.

For Bangladesh, the arrows have hit the mark in Iraq. Now comes the bigger target.