Sports Desk:

Para Archer Al Amin Hossain is going to participate in the upcoming Summer Paralympics 2024, scheduled to be held from 28 August to 8 September in Paris. The Para Archery event will kick off on 29 August at the Les Invalides. Bangladesh for the first time is sending two Para Archers — Joma Akter, who made history by earning a direct entry for the Paralympics, will compete in women’s compound singles while Al Amin, who got a wildcard based on his performance in the Para Archery World Ranking Tournament, will compete in the men’s recurve singles. Al Amin, who earlier served in the Marine, thought that all of his dreams ended after the accident which made him paralysed. He kept himself busy with sports to overcome depression in the CRP hospital. But now that sport gave him a new dream. Al Amin is now dreaming of a medal in the Paralympics. While talking to DM Simanto of thehe said that he also wants to do something for Bangladesh like others, he also dreams about Bangladesh like us and his dream is to secure a medal in the upcoming Paralympics. Here are the excerpts:

How are you? Please introduce yourself.

Al Amin: Alhamdulillah, I’m good. I’m Al Amin Hossain, from Hajiganj, Chandpur. I’m going to participate in the Para Archery of the upcoming Paralympics 2024.

It is your first time (in the Paralympics). How does it feel?

Al Amin: Bangladesh will participate in this event (Para Archery) of the Paralympics for the first time. It feels excellent! I and Joma Akter will compete there. Joma will play in the women’s compound singles and I will play in men’s recurve singles.

You got the wild card?

Al Amin: Yes, I got the wild card, but Joma achieved the direct entry. Both of us are excited, it doesn’t matter how we get chances in the Paralympics. The important thing is that we have got an opportunity to represent Bangladesh in such a big event like the Olympics.

Why did you choose the archery? There are a lot of other popular games. Wheelchair cricket is among them.

Al Amin: I have always been a sports lover. After my accident and being paralysed, I saw many people like me play wheelchair basketball. I was in CRP hospital (Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed in Mirpur). There are various sports facilities for people like me, such as table tennis, basketball etc. I also used to play a few sports to overcome my depression. When the Archery Federation (Bangladesh Archery Federation) launched Para Archery, they chose us. My interest started to grow since then, truly speaking I didn’t choose archery rather this sport chose me (laugh). There are many other sports which can be played sitting in a wheelchair including cricket. But that time I didn’t believe that. But now we know that.

How was your life before that accident?

Al Amin: I was in the Marines. I used to work on a ship, which is called Merchant Navy. I worked on the ship for around two years, and then it happened (accident). I came home on vacation. The cornice (of a wall) collapsed on me, which hurt my spinal cord. Initially, doctors said after the operation that I would never be able to stand again, never be able to walk (laughs). After the operation, they suggested I should try physiotherapy if it gives some improvement. Then I had been going through physiotherapy for one year. Alhamdulillah, my condition improved a lot now. Earlier, I couldn’t even move, but now I can stand with support, I can walk with support.

What do your family do for a living? Do you get any support from the shipping authority?

Al Amin: God arranges everything. No, there is no support from them (shipping authority). The rules are different there. The company will take responsibility for my injury, accident or illness while I’m on the boat but I’m not on the boat and if something happens to me at that time, the company will not take any responsibility. My father used to work in a private company in CEPZ (Chittagong Export Processing Zone), but he left his job during Corona (COVID-19). Now, he is a farmer, he is involved with agriculture. We had some savings and sometimes my uncles (maternal) support us.

What will be your goal in Paris?

Al Amin: At least one medal… It could be silver or bronze. Bangladesh never won any medal in the Olympics, but if I do it in the Paralympics, it will be great. Para Archery, Paralympics will get public attention.

Is it possible?

Al Amin: We are going to participate for the first time. I can understand the gravity and importance of the event, so it is my big responsibility to do something for the country.  I am trying to improve my scoring ability because it will boost my confidence. Also, I need to increase my levels of strength and concentration. I’m a bit weak. Sometimes I lose concentration during the match. If you take a break for two, four or five days, you will lose your strength and concentration. In that case, you need to give more effort to get back both your mental and physical strength. I also want to do something for Bangladesh like others, I also dream about Bangladesh like you.