Archers leave for Thailand today

A 12-member archery team along with five officials will fly for Thailand today to participate in the Asia Cup World Ranking Tournament (Stage-1), which will get underway tomorrow and conclude on March 30.

The 12 archers -- six each in recurve and compound divisions -- will compete in 10 events -- men's individual, men's team, women's individual, women's team and mixed team events in both divisions.

The archers are: Ruman Sana, Imdadul Haque Milon Hakim Ahmed Rubel, Ashim Kumar Das, Abul Kashem Mamun, Sheikh Sajib, Beauty Roy, Nasrin Akter, Diya SiddiqueSushmita Banik, Bonnya Akter and Shyamoly Roy.

A press conference in this connection was arranged at the Bangladesh Olympic Association auditorium yesterday where Bangladesh Archery Federation general secretary Kazi Razibuddin Ahmed Chapal, Bangladesh team coach Martin Frederick, sponsor City group's executive director Jafar Uddin Siddiqui were present among others.

Over the last 12 years, Bangladesh have participated 15 times in this tournament, which was previously known as the Asian Grand Prix. Bangladesh have won two gold, eight silver and eight bronze medals from this competition so far, according to information provided by the speakers.