The ‘President’s Challenge Cup Archery Tournament and Joint Training Program’ started in a festive atmosphere at the Archery Training Academy in Tongi, Gazipur. The curtain of this four-day international event will come down on August 2.

​State Minister for the Ministry of Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad inaugurated the tournament and training program as the chief guest on Thursday morning.

​Although a total of 26 countries are participating in this event in various ways (including players, coaches and technical officials), 17 countries are competing in the main competition. The competition is limited to recurve individual and mixed events only.

​In his speech as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony, the State Minister talked about the venue and environment of Tongi. He said that there are some shortcomings and deficiencies in the kind of suitable environment required for archery. Highlighting the problem of waste management especially near the archery training academy, he said that the issue will be resolved by talking to the local administrators, concerned officials and members of parliament of the area. In addition, he will inform the Honorable Prime Minister and the Ministry of Forest and Environment about the issue and will try to ensure its quick redressal through personal initiative.

Recalling the government's strict stance on noise pollution control, the State Minister said that the Honorable Prime Minister has held an inter-ministerial meeting with various ministries to prevent noise pollution. We all have to take collective initiatives to control noise pollution not only in sports or archery, but also in individual, family and social life and overall lifestyle. Referring to the sports-friendly mentality, he said that the Honorable Prime Minister is very fond of sports and has a special interest in the development of archery. The State Minister expressed hope that in the coming days, Bangladesh will occupy a great glory and place on the world map with the help of this archery.

​​At the event, World Archery Asia President and the new President of Bangladesh Archery Federation, Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapal, shared his experience and goals. He said that although his term as World Archery Asia President lasted for about eight months, he has only taken over as the President of Bangladesh Archery Federation for eight days.

​Referring to the promises of Bangladesh Archery Federation, he said that the federation has successfully implemented what it said in the past. Reminiscing a past memory, he said that at that time, Bangladesh Olympic Association expected only one gold medal in SAFF Games, but they added a zero to it and presented a total of 10 gold medals. Their achievements have always exceeded expectations.

He expressed his strong conviction about the big goals for the future, saying, "InshaAllah, we are committed that if Bangladesh has to win a medal in the Olympics, we may not be able to do it in 2028, but in 2032, with our current youth and youth generation, we will definitely award Bangladesh an Olympic medal."

​Through this four-day joint training and competition, the country's archers are getting a great opportunity to hone their international standards, which those concerned are hoping will bring greater success to Bangladesh in the future.