DHAKA, 15 March 2025 – A new milestone has been achieved in the world of archery in Bangladesh as Rajshahi University (RU), the second-largest university in the country, has officially introduced the sport for the first time. With this addition, students at RU will now have the opportunity to engage in archery, a discipline that requires precision, focus, and skill.
The programme was formally inaugurated on campus by Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr Saleh Hasan Naquib, who attended as the chief guest. To mark the occasion, the General Secretary of the Bangladesh Archery Federation (BAF), Kazi Razib Uddin Ahmed Chapal, presented a bow and arrow to the VC.
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Pro-VC (Administration) Professor Dr Mohammad Main Uddin, Pro-VC (Academic) Professor Dr Mohammad Farid Uddin Khan, Registrar Professor Dr Iftikharul Alam Masud, Professor of Marketing Dr Md Faridul Islam, BAF Treasurer Anisur Rahman, BAF Training and Development Committee Convener Faruk Dhali, Executive Committee Members Sohel Akram and Sheikh Md Azizur Rahman Bachchu, and National Archery Team Coach Martin Frederick.
A Bright Future for Archery at Rajshahi University
Speaking at the ceremony, VC Professor Dr Saleh Hasan Naquib expressed optimism about the sport’s future at the university.
“With over 30,000 students at Rajshahi University, there is significant potential for nurturing skilled archers. If we can provide the right training and facilities, our students can excel in archery at national and international levels. Bangladesh’s archers are already making a mark on the world stage, and we want to contribute to that progress. We believe our students will embrace this sport with enthusiasm,” he said.
BAF General Secretary Kazi Razib Uddin Ahmed Chapal highlighted the opportunities available for Bangladesh in the World University Games, a prestigious multi-sport event for university athletes worldwide.
“There is a great opportunity for Bangladesh to compete in the World University Games. Just as we participate in the Olympic Games, Asian Games, South Asian Games, and International School Games, we should also take part in this platform. This is the perfect time to utilise that opportunity,” he stated.
Expanding Archery Across Universities
As part of its broader initiative, the Bangladesh Archery Federation has set out to introduce the sport across all universities in the country.
“We began this journey with Dhaka University and have now brought it to Rajshahi University as the second institution. Next, we will introduce archery at Chattogram University and continue expanding to all universities across Bangladesh,” Chapal announced.
Related Information:
- Growth of Archery in Bangladesh: Over the past decade, Bangladeshi archers have gained international recognition, with notable performances in global tournaments, including the Olympics and World Archery Championships.
- University-Level Sports Development: The introduction of archery at universities aligns with efforts to enhance sports infrastructure and talent development in Bangladesh’s higher education institutions.
- World University Games: Often referred to as the “University Olympics,” this global sporting event provides student-athletes with a platform to showcase their skills against top competitors from around the world.