The most fascinating element of Alif’s performance came in the last two ends due to the contrary scores from long holds.
In the fourth, at 4-2 against Japan’s Gakuto Miyata, he had the chance to seal Asia Cup gold there and then at Bukit Gombak Stadium, but his drawn-out shooting process – which included a slight flinch in the arms – caused a wayward arrow in the upper range of the eight-ring.
It completed an impressive comeback from Miyata, who was 4-0 down at one stage, to equalise proceedings, and it looked as if he might emerge victorious in his first tournament in international archery. But another long hold from Alif – which lasted for 10 seconds – this time ended in the 10-ring.
Despite coach Frederick counting down in the box behind him, the second arrow of the fifth end proved pivotal as Miyata could only hit a nine and a seven in his last two shots, whilst Alif’s long 10 and nine – which was held far shorter at two seconds – brought Bangladesh the gold.
“Long holds I don’t like, so I was a little bit surprised by the shot, because Martin says, ‘little holds then no problem.’
“You continue your short finish, and the arrow will go in the middle, and my arrow did go in the middle, but you saw my next shot which was only two seconds. That’s my shot and with it I won the match.”
To follow in the trails of archers like Emdadul or ‘s-Hertogenbosch 2019 Hyundai World Archery Championships bronze medallist Shana is on the mind of both Alif and Islam.
But both their predecessors’ successes were in individuals – these two and Frederick are aiming to carve out their own piece of history in the team event.
At 19 years of age, the time and scope to improve as a collective up to LA28 – and Olympics beyond – is certainly on their side.
