Shana, Diya-less archer heads to UAE

A 13-member Bangladeshi archery team, including three officials, departed for the United Arab Emirates on Monday to take part in the third stage of the Asian Cup World Ranking in Sharjah from December 20-25.

Ruman Shana, the nation’s top archer, will miss the event after he was banned from all local and international competitions by the Bangladesh Archery Federation for two years on disciplinary grounds in early November.

Diya Siddique, a leading female activist in the recurve project, had to withdraw from the competition due to her HSC exam.

However, Bangladesh’s German coach, Martin Frederick, wants the young archer to gain medals and international recognition.

‘Diya is unavailable because of her exams…it won’t be easy without him [Ruman Shana]… we’re going to miss them both, but that’s the reality … our preparations at camp have been good and I’m optimistic to have some success,” Martin said a few days before leaving the country on Monday. Hour told the media.

Hakim Ahmed Rubel, Sagor Islam, Misha Prodhan and Fahmida Sultana Nisha will represent Bangladesh in the recurve category while Mohammad Ashikuzzaman, Nawaz Ahmed Rakib, Sohel Rana, Puspita Zaman, Roksana Akter and Bonna Akter will represent Bangladesh in the composite category Don’t play.