The Bangladesh Olympic Association is confident that its team can succeed in the shooting, golf and weightlifting competitions at the Asian Youth Games in China, secretary general Shahed Reza said on Tuesday. The 29-member Bangladesh contingent will leave Dhaka for Nanjing, China on August 14 to take part in the Games, which begin on August 16.
‘We are hopeful that the shooters, golfers and weightlifters will perform well in the upcoming tournament,’ said Shahed, who also informed the media that he would now be available at the BOA following the end of his term as the Bangladesh ambassador in Kuwait.
Shooting coach Asbab Ali Foyez also expressed confidence that his four 10m air-rifle shooters would do well after monitoring their latest practice session.
‘The shooters showed steady improvement in the practice session. The men’s shooters are scoring 482-488 and the women’s shooters are scoring 383-389 consistently. If they perform at their best, they could move into the final rounds,’ the BKSP coach said.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Weightlifting Federation’s hope lies with 48kg women’s lifter Zahura Akhter Reshma, who has also made strides in practice.
‘In the practice session, Reshma lifted six or seven kilos more than she has lifted in the past, so we are hopeful about her chances to win a medal,’ said BWF general secretary Mohiuddin Ahmed.
It was also announced that BOA treasurer Kazi Razibuddin Ahmed Chapal has been made chef de mission of the Bangladesh contingent and golfer Afnan Chowdhury will be the flag bearer at the opening ceremony.
19 Bangladesh youth athletes will participate in the eight different disciplines at the games, which run until August 24.
-With New Age input
