Namibia returns with 10 medals from Lobatse

Namibia returned from the Africa Genesis Archery (AGA) Federation Tournament in Lobatse, Botswana, with 10 medals after three national teams delivered strong performances across the Bull’s Eye and 2D target disciplines, competing against countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia.The tournament, which concluded over the weekend at Big Valley Game Lodge, saw Namibia’s Development, Adult Archery Group (AAG) and junior national teams collect three gold, four silver and three bronze medals.The Development Challenge Division produced Namibia’s strongest performance, with coach Fortune Matambo’s squad claiming all three available gold medals. Namibia finished ahead of Botswana (silver) and South Africa (bronze) in the Bull’s Eye, 2D and overall categories.“I can safely say we sent our best team and we are working on an even more competitive approach,” said Matambo.The result comes as Namibia continues to expand its archery development programme. African Genesis Archery Namibia currently includes 18 schools from all 14 regions, with more than 200 registered archers.Matambo said increasing school participation remains an important part of the development strategy as Namibia looks to identify and develop more talent.“This is part of our development plan to include more schools to increase competition and this will make us take the best that Namibia can produce,” he said.In the Senior AAG Championship, coach Madelyn Kruger’s squad secured three silver medals, finishing behind South Africa in the Bull’s Eye, 2D and overall categories. Botswana claimed bronze in the division.Compete with the bestFor Kruger, however, the tournament was about more than the medals, with the growth of the sport and opportunities for young archers forming a key part of Namibia’s participation.“For me, Botswana was not simply about medals. It was about building a community, giving our children opportunities, and showing them that they can stand on an international stage and compete with the best. That is something Namibia can be very proud of,” said Kruger.She said the sport provides young athletes with skills that extend beyond competition.“What excites me most is that this is not only about producing champions. Archery teaches discipline, concentration, patience, resilience and responsibility. It gives children an opportunity to compete, but also to build friendships, confidence and life skills,” she said.Kruger believes great recognition and support for African Genesis Archery could help the country build on its growing success.“We have talented young athletes, passionate parents, dedicated coaches and officials, and a sport that is growing rapidly. With the right support and investment, I believe Namibia can achieve even more on the African and international stage,” she added.Namibia’s junior national team, under coach Hilma Kambonde, completed the country’s medal tally with three bronze medals in the Junior Championship Division. The team finished third behind gold medallists Zimbabwe and silver medallists South Africa in the Bull’s Eye, 2D and combined junior categories.Up nextThe focus now turns home, with the African Genesis Archery (AGA) Namibia preparing for its biggest tournament of the year, the prestigious national championship, which will be held in Windhoek on September 12.The nationals will be preceded by the association’s first-ever league finals on Friday, September 11, creating an action-packed archery weekend for competitors and supporters.Beyond the immediate competitions, the association’s long-term goal is to establish a sustainable pathway for young archers to progress from school-level competition to representing Namibia internationally.The development programme is also intended to prepare athletes for major international opportunities, including the 2027 AGA World Tournament, which will be held in Canada.– tina@nma.com.na

Namibia returns with 10 medals from Lobatse

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