Bangladesh is set to host the 24th Asian Archery Championship from 8 to 14 November at the National Stadium in Dhaka, where 30 Asian nations will compete. Despite growing international success in a relatively short time, officials from the Bangladesh Archery Federation are approaching the event with measured optimism.
The federation’s founding general secretary, Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapol, expressed hope but avoided making bold predictions. “Of course, we expect medals. However, we will not make any announcements. This is a game of concentration, and anything can happen. Our preparation is good, and we are optimistic. We won silver in the last edition and hope for good results again,” he said.
The championship, sponsored by Teer Group since 2017, will feature top archers from countries such as Korea, China and Iran, along with participants from war-torn nations like Palestine and Syria. Political tensions had previously prevented India’s cricket and women’s under-20 teams from visiting Bangladesh, but Indian archers will compete this time.
The chairman of the tournament’s organising committee confirmed that more than 200 archers have already registered. “We will continue registration until tomorrow. After that, no changes will be possible. We are also providing assistance to archers from Palestine and Syria. Many Olympian archers, both male and female, will participate,” he said.
Bangladesh’s rise in archery is closely linked to Roman Sana, once the country’s leading archer, who has since moved to the United States with his wife and fellow archer, Diya Siddique, due to financial uncertainty. Although hosting the championship showcases the federation’s organisational capability, the financial stability of archers remains limited.
Current federation general secretary Tanvir Ahmed explained, “Almost all archers are connected with various teams from which they receive salaries. In addition, the federation provides them with honorariums.”
Compared to some other sports bodies, the Archery Federation is relatively self-sufficient. Its athletes have brought home several international achievements, though official prize money from the federation has remained modest. Questions about the federation’s financial reward policy for tournaments and games have gone unanswered.
Originally, all matches were scheduled for the National Stadium, which the National Sports Council allocated six months ago. However, due to a Bangladesh–Nepal football match on 13 November, the medal events on 13 and 14 November will now be held at the Army Stadium. Federation president Mokhlesur Rahman, a former secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration and current member of the Planning Commission, said, “There has been a lot of discussion about this. I do not want to spread negativity by commenting further. I have instructed the general secretary to ensure better coordination in future.”
Alongside the championship, the Asian Archery Congress will take place in Dhaka on 8 November. Bangladesh’s Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapol is running for president against the current officeholder, Yu-sun Chung, CEO of Hyundai Motor Group in Korea. Chapol, who has served two terms as first vice president of the Asian Archery Federation, remains hopeful. “I have worked in archery for a long time and maintain strong relationships with many Asian countries. With your prayers, I hope for a positive outcome,” he said.
Chapol has also contributed to the development of archery across Asia, serving as an adviser in several countries and playing a key role in promoting the sport beyond Bangladesh.
