Wearing black sunglasses and a white hat, a quiver marked with the Palestinian flag slung across her shoulder, Rasha Yahya Ahmed cut a striking figure during practice at Dhaka's Paltan Outer Stadium.

The Palestinian archer, her face framed by a black hijab, trained with calm focus on a crisp autumn morning ahead of the 24th Asian Archery Championships, to be held from November 8-14.

For the first time, Palestinian archers will compete in an international archery event hosted in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has long stood firmly in support of the Palestinian cause. Since the onset of Israel's recent assault on Gaza, the country has voiced strong opposition, with citizens joining widespread demonstrations and boycotts of products linked to the conflict.

Rasha, visiting Bangladesh for the first time, was moved by the reception she received:

"From the moment we arrived, everyone has been incredibly warm and welcoming. People greeted us with smiles and kindness even on the way from the airport. It feels wonderful to be here."

Born in Gaza, Rasha studied in Oman, earning both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Muscat. She now works in the United Arab Emirates as a Strategic Assistant Manager at a private firm.

Though she only began archery three years ago, her passion is evident.

"I've competed internationally in Korea, Qatar, and elsewhere. The organisation here in Dhaka is just as professional -- everything from transport to training facilities meets international standards," she said, praising the Bangladesh Archery Federation.

Rasha will compete in the women's recurve individual category, while her male teammates -- Ali Alahmad Khaled, Awad Sami, and Badwan Osayed -- will take part in the compound events.

"We came not just to participate, but to compete -- to perform well and challenge the very best," she said confidently.

Despite a US-brokered ceasefire, Israeli attacks have persisted in Gaza, and humanitarian aid remains limited. Living abroad, Rasha's heart remains with her homeland:

"Gaza is my city. It's painful to see what's happening, but representing Palestine internationally gives us strength. Every time we raise our flag, it means so much."

For Rasha, competing under the Palestinian flag is both emotional and empowering:

"To carry your nation's flag when you can't even train in your own country -- that feeling is beyond words. It truly means everything."