Indonesian envoy wishes good luck to shooters at Asian Games
She witnesses Bangladesh shooters practice session
Sports Reporter
Indonesian ambassador to Bangladesh Rina P Soemarno paid a visit to Gulshan Shooting Range in the capital yesterday to encourage the local shooters for doing a good result in the upcoming 18th Asian Games.
Soemarno came to Bangladesh Shooting Sport Federation (BSSF) yesterday to witness the practice and preparation of the Bangladesh shooters for the upcoming Asian Games, which is slated to host by Indonesia for the second time after 1962.
Its very very encouraging I have seen the practice of the Bangladesh rifle and pistol teams. And I can say that they are very potential to win and bring medal from Asian Games. So, I wish them very well. And hopefully they will bring medals and pride for Bangladesh, said Rina P Soemarno, Indonesian ambassador to Bangladesh.
The BSSF secretary General Enthekhabul Hamid welcomed Soemarno with a bouquet and later handed over a crest. Local shooter Suriaya Akhter showed Indonesian ambassador how to shoot with air rifle. She then fired two shoots at target sheet following a dry fire. Another shooter Marzana Akhter, therefore, showed her how to shoot on target with air pistol.
Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) secretary general Syed Shahed Reza, its deputy secretary generals Assaduzzaman Kahinoor and Ashiqur Rahman Miku along with BOA Director General Brig. Gen. (retd) Fakhruddin Haider, BSSF rifle coach Christensen John Klavs and pistol coach Marko Sokic, among others, were also present on the occasion.
The ambassador, who feels excited to come and watch the shooting spot and its range, said, Though I have a very little bit knowledge about the Bangladesh shooting team, Im wishing all the best for them in the 18th Asian Games-Jakarta and Palembang.
When asked about her visit at BSSF, Soemarno said, My message would be actually to welcome them and welcome to Indonesia. Its an honour and pride of Indonesia to be hosting this 18th Asian Games. But also enjoy not just the competition but also Indonesia and comes back with greater performance and nice memories about the 18th Asian Games. Hopefully we also give them more experience and to compete in the bigger games.
The ambassador sat at spectators row with her embassy colleagues for around half-an-hour to witness a round of practice games, where top-seeded shooter Abduallah Al Baki and Ardina Ferdous won in their respective 10m air rifle and 10m air pistol events.
Bangladesh will send a 22-member shooting contingent including 17 shooters will fly to Indonesia on August 13, who will compete for nine events. This year though cricket is not in the 2018 Asian Games, Bangladesh are expecting medals from shooting and archery what BOA secretary general Syed Shahed Reza told media.
Shahed informed that Bangladesh will start their journey to Indonesia with their football team who will leave Dhaka for Jakarta on August 4. The rest of the teams will follow them before the opening of the Games on August 18.
A total of 154 Bangladesh athletes from 14 different sports events including teams and individuals will compete in the all Asian competition.
Ace shooter Abdullah Al Baki said that they deprived of medals not taking part in the international tournaments regularly.
Weve been practicing since two years back. Weve no problems with our practice facilities. But itll be futile if we dont take part in the international competitions, Baki said.
