BD expect medals in 4 disciplines

The Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) are now facing a severe financial crisis.

Despite not receiving the expected funds from the Bangladesh Government, the trend of lavish travel for the Asian Games continues. Bangladesh is participating in 22 disciplines this time.

A 260-member contingent will represent the country, comprising 90 male and 97 female athletes, accompanied by 61 male and 12 female officials.

More than fifty others are traveling in various other capacities, although it has been stated, the rest are self-funded.

While there are questions regarding medal prospects, the BOA maintains the objectives for this event extend beyond merely winning medals; they also aim to participate in a major competition, gain experience, and groom athletes for the future.

Nevertheless, BOA officials are reportedly hopeful about winning medals in Archery, Cricket, Shooting, and Kabaddi.

Bangladesh Cricket Board and Bangladesh Hockey Federations are sending some of Bangladesh’s largest squads to the Asian Games.

In Cricket, a total of 11 officials are accompanying 30 players (comprising both men’s and women’s teams).

For Hockey, there are 9 officials alongside the 36 players from the men’s and women’s teams.

The women’s football team consists of 23 players and seven officials. In Kabaddi, there are 24 players-across both men’s and women’s squads-accompanied by six officials.

Bangladesh Archery Federation is sending a 16-member contingent comprising 12 players and four officials.

Additionally, the contingent includes 12 athletes and four officials for Shooting, five athletes and two officials for Badminton, six athletes and two officials for Table Tennis, four athletes and three officials for Weightlifting, and four athletes and two officials for Wushu.

For Surfing, one male and one female athlete are accompanied by one official.

Two athletes and two officials are participating in Swimming, two athletes and two officials in Athletics, and two athletes along with three officials in Boxing.

Two Bangladeshi disciplines will take the field before the opening ceremony.

The women’s football team have matches scheduled for September 14 and 17; consequently, the team have planned to arrive in Japan early. The women’s football team are already training in China.

The women’s cricket team are participating in the Asia Cup, while the men’s cricketers are also undergoing preparations.

The men’s and women’s hockey teams are also stationed in China, playing preparatory matches.

However, questions have been raised regarding the decision to send such a large contingent.

Why take such a sizable delegation, especially when medal prospects are limited BOA Vice-President Major (Retd.) Imroz Ahmed said, “Not every country goes to the Asian Games solely with the hope of winning medals.

Participation creates opportunities for athletes to gain international experience.

Despite limitations in facilities across many disciplines, Bangladesh wants to give its athletes the chance to test their capabilities on a major stage.”