Bangladesh emerged as a force to be reckoned with in archery at the last South Asian Games, finishing second in the medal standings behind dominant India.
With India sitting out of the discipline this year, Bangladeshi archers are aiming for golds.
The spotlight will be on Mohammad Ruman Shana, the world No 10 who became the first Bangladeshi to qualify for the Olympics by finishing third in the World Championship in June.
He did not take part in the last edition and is eager to prove himself on his SAG debut.
“I will try my best to earn the country more than one medal, but anything can happen in archery. The way I beat higher-ranked archers before, others can cause upsets the same way. We have to give our full concentration,” said the 24-year old from Khulna.
Bangladesh lost the quarterfinal of the recurve men’s team event against independent archers from World Archery Federation in the 21st edition of the Asian Archery Championship in Bangkok, Thailand Tuesday.https://t.co/S238IJeQz8#BANGLADESH #ARCHERY #BAF #BANGLADESHARCHERY
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) November 26, 2019
During the SAG 2016, India won all 10 gold medals in archery, as well as four silvers.
On the other hand, Bangladesh bagged three silvers and as many bronzes.
As Ruman, Hakim Ahmed, Sushmita Banik and Co push for golds this time around, Sri Lanka and Bhutan are the countries who are most likely to pose some resistance.
Archery is Bhutan's national sport and Karma became the first Bhutanese archer to earn direct qualification to the Olympics last week, before coming to Nepal.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka won a couple of silvers last time.
Archers of host Nepal may also shine in home conditions.
Bangladesh archery has seen significant improvement over the past couple of years, especially since renowned German coach Frederick Martin took charge.
On the eve of the games, the coach said he is not concerned about the number of golds, and is focusing on improving performances and scores.
#Ruman loses in third round at #Bangkok https://t.co/RcABwTxAOY
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) November 25, 2019
However, when India were still expected to participate a few months ago, Frederick had assured this correspondent that the number of archery medals for Bangladesh would increase.
Representatives of Bangladesh Archery Federation and coaches said they have not set any targets for the archers, but are confident with preparations.
The archery events will begin in Pokhara Thursday.
A total 16 archers from Bangladesh will be participating in five recurve and as many compound events.
