Ruman overwhelmed with reception
Ruman Sana had twice previously returned home with gold medals, but was never recognised officially. But yesterday was a different home-coming for the country’s best archer as he returned with a bronze he won in the World Archery Championships in Netherlands along with the honour of directly qualifying for 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The lad from Khulna was really overwhelmed with the reception he got as state minister for youth and sports Jahid Ahsan Rasel and Bangladesh Olympic Association’s secretary general Syed Shahed Reza, along with Bangladesh Archery Federation high-ups, received him with the flower bouquets at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Afterwards, Ruman and other archers were bought to the Sheikh Russell Roller Skating Complex where he was given a warm reception by the archery federation and sponsors and other national federations such as athletics, basketball, judo, gymnastics, swimming, handball, squash and wushu.
“I really did not expect such a big arrangement. Being the second Bangladeshi to qualify for Olympics and winning a medal from World Archery Championships is a matter of big pride for me and a big achievement for my country,” said an overwhelmed-but-tired Ruman, adding that this colourful reception would inspire other archers to earn something big in future.
“I have already achieved my target of qualifying for Olympics and thanked Almighty Allah for helping me achieve it. Now my main goal is to do well in Olympics which is the ultimate target for any athlete. I know I have to work hard compared to what I have been doing now.
“If I want to win a medal in Olympics, I think I must prepare and take myself to that level through hard work. Otherwise, it is not possible to win medals in Olympics. So I have to be prepared from now on in a bid to win medal in Olympics,” said Ruman, who improved his performance under German coach Martin Frederick over the last one and a half years.
Ruman also made a request to the archery federation of sending him to all international tournaments before the Olympics as he needs to gather more experience to produce something good in Olympics.
Sponsors City Group cash-awarded Sana Tk two lakh for achieving the preliminary target of qualifying for the Olympics as the first archer from the country.
“As I am from a needy family, there is always a need for financial assistance. This cash reward will definitely help my family,” Ruman said.
Unfortunately, there was no announcement of cash-incentive from the federation or the BOA or National Sports Council.
Ruman believes Bangladesh still have opportunities to earn more quota places for the Olympics.
“We still have chance to earn more Olympic quota from Asian Archery Championships in November and Berlin World Cup in June next year. I believe my teammates will be inspired by my success and do more hard work in training and try their best in upcoming tournaments,” said Ruman.