In a nail-biting finale, Abdur Rahman Alif outshoots Japan’s Gakuto Miyata to win gold in the men’s recurve individual event, signaling Bangladesh’s rising dominance in Asian archery.  

Bangladesh has struck gold on the international stage once again—this time through the steady hands and steely nerves of archer Abdur Rahman Alif. At the Asian Archery Cup held in Singapore, Alif delivered a sensational performance in the men’s recurve individual final to defeat Japan’s Gakuto Miyata by 6-4 in set points, bringing home a coveted gold medal for his country.

The final was a fierce battle of precision, resilience, and mental strength. Alif opened the match with remarkable composure, scoring 28 out of 30 in the first set. His Japanese opponent Miyata was not far behind, posting a strong 27, but it was enough to hand Alif an early 2-0 lead in set points. It was a sign of the drama that was to unfold—a gold medal match that would stretch every inch of nerve and skill.

Alif’s momentum continued in the second set, where he stepped up with a near-flawless 29. Miyata, again trying to keep pace, managed a 28, allowing the Bangladeshi star to extend his lead to 4-0. At that point, victory seemed within grasp, as just one more set win would have sealed the title.

But archery, like all great sports, has a way of testing champions when it matters most.

In the third and fourth sets, the tide began to turn. Miyata, showing the precision that brought him to the final, fired back with scores of 28 and 27, while Alif faltered slightly with 27 and 26. Suddenly, the scores were level at 4-4. The arena tensed. What began as a dominant run had transformed into a high-stakes showdown, with the fifth and final set now set to decide everything.

And it was in that defining moment that Alif rose to the occasion like a true champion.

With nerves of steel, he unleashed one arrow after another, barely missing the bullseye, to rack up a staggering 29 points in the final set. The pressure was now on Miyata, who needed to be near-perfect to stay in the game. But the Japanese archer could only manage 26, allowing Alif to clinch the last set and seal the match at 6-4.

As the final arrow landed, the cheers erupted—both from the Bangladeshi contingent in Singapore and from fans watching across the country. It wasn’t just a win; it was a moment of sporting glory that marked a milestone for Bangladesh in the world of archery.

Alif’s victory is not only a personal triumph but a symbol of Bangladesh’s rising stature in Asian archery. In recent years, the nation has steadily climbed the competitive ladder, producing talents that can challenge powerhouses like South Korea, Japan, and China. This win serves as both validation of that progress and inspiration for future archers from the region.

The Asian Archery Cup, known for its intensity and high standards, is a proving ground for the continent’s elite shooters. Alif’s path to the final was no less dramatic, having overcome several higher-seeded opponents on his way to the gold medal match. His mental toughness and technical finesse throughout the tournament have been widely praised by coaches and analysts alike.

Back home, the nation erupted in celebration. Messages of congratulations poured in from the Bangladesh Archery Federation, national sports bodies, and fans on social media. Alif, already being hailed as a national hero, credited his coaches and team for their support and vowed to keep striving for excellence in future tournaments, including the upcoming Asian Games and possibly the Olympics.

With this victory, Bangladesh has announced its arrival on the big stage. Alif’s golden arrow did more than hit a target—it pierced through doubt, lifted national pride, and inspired a generation to dream bigger.

As the sun set on the Singapore archery field, one name stood tallest: Abdur Rahman Alif, the golden boy of Bangladeshi archery.