Team Namibia delivered an impressive performance at the 76th South African Outdoor Target Archery Nationals in Johannesburg, returning home with a string of podium finishes after a competitive weekend of international archery.
The tournament, held from 27 to 29 March at Marks Park Sports Ground, attracted 154 archers from across South Africa and several other countries, including Kenya, Zimbabwe, Mauritius and Italy, creating a strong international shooting line.
Namibia fielded a team of nine archers competing across multiple age groups and bow classes, including compound archers, a barebow specialist and a para-archer in the compound division.
“The team entered the event hoping to improve on their six-medal haul from the previous edition of the championships in 2025, and the athletes did not disappoint as they delivered several strong performances throughout the three-day competition.
“The opening day set the tone for the tournament as clear skies followed days of heavy rain, providing ideal conditions for the archers to compete. All Namibian participants produced solid qualification rounds, securing favourable rankings and placing themselves in contention for medals,” read a statement from the Archery Association of Namibia (AAN).
One of the standout performances came from Louan Groenewald, who set a new Namibian national record in the Compound Men 50+ division with an outstanding score of 696 out of 720.
The AAN hailed the achievement as remarkable, noting that such a score at a world-class event reflects the athlete’s dedication and high level of preparation.
By the end of the competition, Team Namibia secured several podium finishes. Lutz Wahlers claimed silver in the Barebow Men category, while Jannie Meuwesen also took silver in the Compound Men division.
Jacqueline Coetzee earned silver in the Compound Women category, and Ilana Malan added another silver medal in the Compound Women 50+ division. Bianca Karsten finished third in the same category to secure a bronze medal.
Namibia also achieved success in the mixed team events. The Compound Mixed Team 50+ pairing of Louan Groenewald and Ilana Malan won silver, while the Compound Mixed Team combination of Jannie Meuwesen and Jacqueline Coetzee also secured silver.
“The competition further doubled as the Southern African Regional Championships. For categories to qualify for regional championship medals, they must include competitors from at least two countries and be officially recognised and accredited by World Archery,” further reads the statement.
Namibia again featured prominently in the regional championship standings, where Wahlers, Meuwesen, Coetzee and Malan each secured silver medals in their respective categories, while Karsten collected bronze in the Compound Women 50+ division.
The mixed team of Meuwesen and Coetzee also claimed silver in the regional championship standings.
Supporting the athletes in Johannesburg was a team of officials, including physiotherapist Anke Albat, PR and media correspondent Heidi Meuwesen, para-archer agent Engela du Toit and para-archer manager J. du Toit (Snr), who ensured the athletes were well supported throughout the event.