In a historic achievement for the nation’s sports, Bangladesh secured its first-ever gold medal in the men’s compound team event at the Asia Cup World Ranking Tournament (Stage 1) on Friday.
The Bangladeshi trio—Newaz Ahmed Rakib, Himu Bachhar, and Aishwarzo Rahman—defeated Vietnam 231–225 in a commanding final performance. The team established an early lead, winning the first set 57–55, and maintained their composure to finish six points ahead of their opponents.
Lance Naik Newaz Ahmed Rakib, a member of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) currently serving in the Naikshongchhari Battalion (11 BGB), played a pivotal role in the victory. Hailing from Haidhankhali village in Kishoreganj, Rakib’s international success has been hailed as a significant milestone for the BGB and the country.
The tournament, which began on March 21, featured 42 archers from 22 countries. While Bangladesh did not reach the semi-finals in the individual or mixed categories, the men’s compound team’s consistent performance throughout the knockout stages—including a semi-final win over Bhutan—secured the top podium spot.
National head coach Martin Frederick attributed the success to rigorous preparation at BKSP and strong team chemistry. State Minister for Youth and Sports, Md Aminul Haque, congratulated the team, noting that this victory signals Bangladesh's emergence as a "formidable force" in world archery.
The gold-winning squad is expected to return to Dhaka on Sunday, March 29.
