By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Organizers of the inaugural Asean Youth Archery Championships are hoping to discover more young talents not only in the Philippines, but also in the region.
World Archery Philippines President Atty. Clinr Aranas hopes the tournament will open more doors for other Southeast Asian and Asian neighbors to organize more international youth competitions for aspiring national team members.
“This event will test the capabilities of our young archers as they prepare for the big international events next year,” Aranas said.
“World Archery Philippines is optimistic that this initiative will hasten the development of our promising young archers in Southeast Asia and Asia, encouraging them to continue and compete in the dynamic sport we all love,” he added.
Initial eliminations and qualifying rounds fired off on Thursday, Aug. 17 at the Dynamic Herb Sports Complex in Cebu City with around 300 archers from Chinese Taipei, India, Indonesia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and host Philippines battling out in the recurve and compound events.
Age divisions on tap are Under-10, Under-15, Under-18 and Under-21 in boys and girls divisions of the tournament supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Cebu City Sports Commission and Cebu City government.
Expectations are high for local bets that include recurve archer Jonathan Reaport and compound campaigners Alon Jucutan and Gwyneth Garcia, as well as the other members of the PH team that saw action in the World Youth Archery Championships in Limerick, Ireland last month.
Recent Palarong Pambansa standouts Miel Cipriano of Nueva Ecija and Naina Tagle of Dumaguete City are also being eyed to make an impact.
