Bangladesh launches para archery federation

The launch of an organisation dedicated to para archery in Bangladesh is set to increase investment in access and programmes for impaired people in the Asian country.

“People with disabilities often face societal barriers and discrimination. Para archery will now be used as a tool to promote inclusion and empowerment for people with impairment,” said the Bangladesh Para Archery Federation’s founding president Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapol, who is also general secretary of the Bangladesh Archery Federation.

The country’s archery association was founded in 2000.

Two decades of investment have seen the sport grow in profile significantly, buoyed by impressive results on the world stage including the bronze medal – and Olympic quota place – won by Ruman Shana at the Hyundai World Archery Championships in 2019.

“Archery’s rapid growth in Bangladesh is a case study on the sustainable development of a sport achieving tangible results at the international level and social value domestically,” said World Archery secretary general Tom Dielen, who attended a launch event for the new federation in Dhaka earlier this week alongside vice president Thomas Han.

“Given the exciting recent competition record of archers from Bangladesh, it’s likely that it won’t be long before we see the country winning quota places for the Paralympic Games, too.”

Bangladesh archery association president Lt General Mainul Islam, sports minister Md Zahid Ahsan Russel and National Paralympic Committee vice president Prof Dr Sheikh Abdus Salam were among the other dignitaries present at the launch.

Mohammed Faisal Ahsan Ullah, vice president of the Bangladesh Archery Federation, will act as general secretary of the new para archery association.