Frederick sets sight on compound medals

Long-term coach Martin Frederick has set his sights on achieving success in the compound events for hosts Bangladesh at the upcoming Asian Archery Championships, after announcing a 16-member squad for Asia's premier competition.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from November 8 to 14 across two venues in Dhaka.

There were few surprises in the squad, which includes a number of experienced campaigners who have regularly represented Bangladesh, especially since top recurve archers Ruman Sana, Abdul Hakim Rubel, and Diya Siddique left for the United States in search of better opportunities.

Ruman, Rubel, and Diya had previously brought international recognition to Bangladesh, winning medals in recurve events at various competitions -- including the 2021 Asian Archery Championships in Dhaka, where Bangladesh claimed one silver and two bronze medals. The silver came in the recurve mixed team event, while the men's and women's recurve teams each earned bronze.

This time, however, Frederick has shifted his focus towards the compound events, particularly after Bangladesh's compound archers have shown consistent performances and strong scores in recent international tournaments.

"In 2021, we won three medals here but failed to win any in Bangkok in 2023. I want to repeat our success from 2021. Reaching the podium is our goal. Our compound team has grown stronger, and our compound mixed team is particularly promising. I will work towards that podium finish," the German coach told reporters after the conclusion of the Archery League at Tongi Stadium yesterday.

"We've made great progress in the compound division, especially in the mixed team event. The recurve women's team is our weakest area, and we'll need to work hard there. But we have a young team with potential, and they need time to develop. So, perhaps we shouldn't expect too much just yet," added Frederick, who has been coaching in Bangladesh since early 2018.

MARTIN FREDRICK

Ramkrishna Saha, Sagor Islam, and Ety Khatun are optimistic too about achieving good results on home soil.

"Last time we won bronze in the recurve team event, so this time we're aiming to reach the final," said Ramkrishna. "The men's recurve team always strives for success, and we've prepared well, especially through the recently concluded Archery League."

Squad:

Recurve Men: Abdur Rahman Alif, Sagor Islam, Rakib Mia, Ramkrishna Saha

Recurve Women: Shima Akter Shimu, Ety Khatun, Shonali Roy, Monira Akter

Compound Men: Mohammad Ashikuzzaman, Himu Bachar, Newaz Ahmed Rakib, Sohel Rana

Compound Women: Bannya Akter, Pushpita Zaman, Kulsum Khatun, Mithila Akter