The government has announced cash rewards of Tk10 lakh each for Bangladesh’s three medal-winning archers at the 24th Asian Archery Championships, which concluded in Dhaka on Friday, reports the Daily Sun.
Bangladesh bagged two medals in the continental event, competing strongly against powerhouses India and South Korea. Himu Bachhar and Bonna Akter secured silver in the compound mixed team event, while Kulsum Akter Moni won bronze in the women’s compound individual category.
Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain made the announcement on Friday evening following the medal ceremony.
Responding to a question from the media, he said, “To win a gold medal at the Olympics, you need the same facilities as those you are competing against. Based on the capacity of our Youth and Sports Ministry, we will support them accordingly. It is true that we are a highly populated country, yet we have no Olympic gold. But through archery, I believe we can achieve it. And through this ceremony, I want to announce that the three medalists representing Bangladesh in this competition will each receive Tk10 lakh from the Youth and Sports Ministry.”
By the time the announcement was made, the archers had already reached the team hotel—where the news brought immediate cheer. Speaking on behalf of the medalists, Bonna Akter expressed her delight.
“If the honourable Sports Adviser has truly made such an announcement, nothing could make us happier,” she said. “This will increase our enthusiasm for archery. We will be able to focus even more on the sport. And many archers who consider leaving archery for opportunities abroad may now reconsider. Overall, I am very happy to hear about such financial rewards.”
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
