Photo: BSS

DHAKA, May 2, 2026 (BSS) - A 20-member Bangladesh archery team will leave for China on Sunday to participate in the Archery World Cup 2026 Stage-2, scheduled to be held from May 5-10 in Shanghai, China.

The team includes 13 archers, four coaches, a team manager, the president of the Bangladesh Archery Federation, and a representative from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Bangladesh will compete in 10 events, including recurve men's and women's singles and team events, as well as compound men's, team and mixed team events.

Around 320 archers-both men and women-from nearly 43 countries are expected to take part in the global competition.

Speaking at a pre-departure press conference held at the Bangladesh Olympic Association auditorium today, BAF president Dr Mohammad Moklesur Rahman expressed optimism about the team's performance, citing their recent good form.

Head coach Martin Frederick said the World Cup will serve as preparation for the upcoming Asian Games. "We are building towards the Asian Games. Bangladesh has yet to win a medal there, but we are hopeful of achieving good results this time," he said.

During the press meet, Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapol, president of World Archery Asia and former BAF general secretary, handed over a previously pledged cash reward to the compound men's team for their gold medal win at the Asia Cup-World Ranking Tournament Stage-1.

Bangladesh's compound men's team made history by clinching their first-ever gold medal in the tournament, defeating Vietnam in Bangkok last March. Team members Himu Bachar, Aishwarya Rahman and Rakib Mia each received US$400 as reward.

Chapol also announced an additional incentive of US$1,000 for each archer if they achieve notable success in the upcoming World Cup.

Among others, Rubaiyat Ahmed, brand manager of City Group, and Tanvir Ahmed, general secretary of BAF, were present at the press conference.