Close to 180 archers from schools across Namibia took part in the National Ranking Archery Shoot held on Saturday at Windhoek High School. 

The competition attracted participants from about 13 schools nationwide, providing young and senior archers with an important opportunity to improve their national rankings and sharpen their skills ahead of major continental events later this year.

One of the organisers, Hilma Kambonde, said the event formed part of the country’s archery ranking series and was the second national ranking shoot of the year.

“This is our second national ranking shoot of the year. The first one took place in Outjo at Moria on Valentine’s Day, and this one here at Windhoek High School is the second,” she said.

Kambonde noted that the event drew a strong turnout from schools across the country, highlighting the continued growth of the sport.

“It is truly a privilege to host such a large number of competitors,” she said.

She added that the organisers were encouraged by the participation levels, describing the turnout as a positive sign for the development of archery in the country.

“Getting numbers like this is quite huge and we do not take it for granted. It shows that the sport is growing and that more young athletes are becoming interested in archery,” she added.

According to Kambonde, the event also serves as part of the preparation pathway for athletes aiming to represent Namibia at the upcoming African Archery Championships scheduled to take place in Botswana in August.

“The archers are shooting to improve their rankings and scores, but also to prepare themselves for the African Championships later this year. 

These ranking shoots allow us to compare performances, see how the archers have improved since the previous competition, and identify areas where they still need to work on,” she explained.

The ranking shoot forms part of a series of competitions organised throughout the year to track athletes’ progress and ensure Namibia fields a strong team at the continental championships. 

–lmupetami@nepc.com.na