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Gaza-born female archer Rasha Yahya Ahmed feels a profound sense of compassion and unwavering support during her inaugural visit to Bangladesh, where she is representing war-torn Palestine at the 24th Asian Archery Championships in Dhaka, scheduled from November 8 to 14.

‘I must say, as a Palestinian, I can really feel the love and support from the people of Bangladesh. From the moment we arrived, it’s as if they’ve made us their own,’ said Rasha, who started to participate in archery competitions just three years back.

Rasha pursued her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from a university in Muscat and now serves at a private organisation as a strategic assistant manager in the United Arab Emirates.

The 42-year-old Rasha will compete in the women’s recurve individual event, while her male team-mates – Ali Alahmad Khaled, Awad Sami, and Badwan Osayed – will take part in the compound events in Dhaka.

‘As athletes, we understand what it means to represent Palestine. Many of us train outside our homeland, yet compete for it. That feeling – carrying your nation’s flag when you can’t even train in your own country – is powerful beyond words. It’s deeply emotional for me every time I put on my uniform, pick up my bow, and fly the Palestinian flag abroad. It truly means everything,’ she said about the team spirit.

Rasha, framed by a black hijab, wearing black sunglasses and a white hat, with a quiver slung over her shoulder carrying the Palestinian flag, was looking a striking figure during her training at the Paltan Outer Stadium on Thursday.

‘Gaza is my city. As a Palestinian, it’s heartbreaking to see what’s happening there. But when we take part in international events, when we hold up our flag, we represent Palestine – and people appreciate that. It means a great deal to us,’ she said.

‘Yes, this is my first time in Bangladesh, and from the moment we arrived at the airport, everyone has been incredibly warm and welcoming. Even on the way from the airport to the hotel, people greeted us with such kindness. Everyone is smiling, helpful, and genuinely happy to have us here.’ 

She hoped everything will be in the right place for the Palestinians when they will also pay back the gesture to Bangladeshi people.

‘Even people who aren’t directly involved with the event are coming to show their support. It’s incredibly moving. And I hope that, one day, inshallah, we’ll be able to welcome the people of Bangladesh to Palestine, where we can meet again,’ she told the media.

‘The level of preparation here in Dhaka is just as impressive – everything is truly up to international standards,’ she expressed her satisfaction over the Bangladesh Archery Federation’s organising capacity.

She is aware of Bangladesh – like many other countries – voicing its position with the anti-war demonstrations with the people across the world since the beginning of Israel’s aggression in Gaza.