AKTER Joma: An Inspiring Journey from Wheelchair to Paralympic Archery

2024 Paris Paralympics Archery Schedule

  • Athlete: AKTER Joma
  • Date: August 29 2024
  • Time: 13:00 (Paris time)
  • Venue: Les Invalides Paris
  • Event: Womens Individual Compound Open Ranking Round

Competition Details and Records

AKTER Joma will compete in this ranking round against top Paralympic archers from around the world. This competition not only determines the seeding for subsequent elimination rounds but also serves as the first step for athletes to showcase their skills on the Paralympic stage.

Joma have been assigned to target position 11B. Different target positions may face varying light and wind conditions which could influence her competition strategy.

Notably the world record for this event is 698 points set by PATERSON PINE Phoebe from Great Britain on August 3 2024 in Oxfordshire. The Paralympic record is 694 points achieved by STRETTON Jessica also from Great Britain at the Tokyo Paralympics on August 27 2021. These records provide clear goals and challenges for Joma.

The Story of AKTER Joma

AKTER Joma a 20-year-old archer from Bangladesh has an impressive life story. Her journey not only demonstrates personal resilience but also reflects the rapid development of para-sports in Bangladesh.

AKTER Joma Personal Information

  • Date of Birth: October 9 2003
  • Age: 20
  • Nationality: Bangladesh
  • Event: Paralympic Archery

From Accident to Rebirth

Joma’s life took a dramatic turn in 2018. She was preparing for her SSC exam (equivalent to high school entrance exam) with dreams of becoming a lawyer. However an accident while climbing a lychee tree changed her life forever. A branch broke causing her to fall and severely injure her spinal cord leaving her unable to walk and dependent on a wheelchair.

This accident was a massive blow to Joma. Many people thought her life was over questioning how she would continue her studies or find her place in life. However Joma refuse to be defeated by these negative voices.

Sports Change Lives

Joma’s turning point came at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) in Savar. There she discovered that sports could not only help her overcome physical disabilities but also allow her to continue her education. Initially Joma was introduced to wheelchair basketball but later she turned her attention to archery.

Surprisingly Joma quickly showed talent in archery. After just two and a half months of training she finished ninth at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou. Subsequently she won a bronze medal in the compound event at the National Ranking Open Tournament competing against able-bodied athletes which greatly boosted her confidence.

Realizing the Paralympic Dream

Joma’s efforts finally paid off in March 2024. At the final qualification tournament for the 2024 Paris Paralympics held in Dubai she secured third place in the womens compound open final successfully qualifying for the Paralympics. This was not only a major breakthrough for her personally but also a milestone for Bangladeshs Paralympic archery program.

Inspiring Others

Joma’s story is not just about personal achievement its an example that inspires others. She hopes that through her experience she can encourage other people with disabilities: “I want to inspire those who have disabilities like me. I want them to feel encouraged thinking if Joma can do so well in archery we can also do it. I want them to feel that confidence and not consider themselves inferior in any way. I want them to not feel like they are a burden to society.”

Training and Support

Joma now trains at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) facility. She is particularly grateful for the encouragement and support given by her coach the president of the Bangladesh Para Archery Association Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapol and her mother throughout this journey.

The Development of Paralympic Archery in Bangladesh

Joma’s success is not just a personal victory but also reflects the rapid development of Paralympic archery in Bangladesh:

  1. The Bangladesh Para Archery Association was established in 2023 and just one year later it has nurtured athletes capable of competing in the Paralympics.
  2. Currently the association has 12 Paralympic archers five of whom participated in the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games.
  3. These athletes not only train with able-bodied athletes but also participate in various national competitions which greatly enhances their competitive level.
  4. Indian coach Nishith Das have played a crucial role in the development of Paralympic archery in Bangladesh laying the foundation for the program.

Future Prospects

With Joma successfully qualifying for the Paralympics the future of Paralympic archery in Bangladesh looks promising. However as coach Das says “Our archers still have a long way to go.”

For Joma participating in the 2024 Paris Paralympics is not just a competitive stage but also an opportunity to prove herself and inspire others. Her story demonstrates human resilience in the face of adversity and brings hope to all those facing challenges.

Regardless of the outcome of today’s competition AKTER Joma has already written an important page in Bangladesh’s sports history through her efforts and determination. Her story is not just about sports achievements but a touching example of overcoming adversity and reshaping life.

Read More: HOSSAIN Al Amin: An Inspiring Journey from Sailor to Paralympic Archer

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