Archers take the helm at 73rd National Archery Champs
Archers came from far and wide to take part in this annual event.
More than 100 archers from around the country, and some from even further afield, descended on Marks Parks Sports Club on the weekend of 11–13 March to compete in the 73rd National Archery Championships.
The Emmarentia club emerged after two days of competition with three gold medals, two silver and a bronze.
Maseeha Kajee, fresh from her gold medal win in the International Field Archery Indoor World Champs in England claimed gold in Recurve Girls U18, while Carien Whitehead won gold in the Recurve mixed team event. Muhammad Laher won gold in the Recurve Boys U15.
Club chair, Mike van Staden won silver in the Recurve Men’s Team while Alan Crowther took silver in the Recurve Men 50+. Mark Lynch took home bronze in the Recurve Limited category.
“Participating at this level of competition is important because one not only gets to gain valuable experience in performing under pressure, but you also meet archers from around the country and learn from their experiences,” Van Staden said. “It is then essential that we take these experiences back to our clubs and share with our fellow members.”
The annual event was organised by the sport’s national body, the SA National Archery Association. Participation in this event is mandatory for archers wanting to achieve national honours and representation in continental and international events.
The event often attracts competitors from neighbouring countries, with Namibia sending a strong contingent to the 2023 championships. Visiting US archer, and former world champion, Jimmy Lutz also took part together with his South Africa-born wife, Danelle Lutz.
“International competitors on our home field are important for the growth of the sport as this is one of the ways that our archers have the opportunity to compete against some of the best in the world,” commented Barbara Manning, association secretary and Marks Park Archery executive member.
With the archery calendar’s main event now out of the way, Marks Park Archery Club will be focusing on autumn competitions taking place in April and May. The next major competition is the Konrad van Warmelo + Marks Park Championships scheduled for May 20–21 which will be contested over distances ranging from 30m to 70m.
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