AAN scoops three golds at Southern Regions Champs

Archery Association of Namibia (AAN) recently scooped three gold medals in the compound mixed team, compound women and women over-50 classes at the Southern Regions Championships.Eight of the country’s finest archers from the AAN participated in the third edition of the tournament, which was held in conjunction with the 75th South Africa Nationals, hosted at South Africa’s Marks Park in Johannesburg.Sanctioned by the South African National Archery Association (SANAA), World Archery Africa (WAAf) and World Archery (WA), the event also served as the trial for compound archers to qualify for the 12th edition of The World Games (TWG) in Chengdu, China.The gold medallists were Jannie Meuwesen and Babette Taljaard in the compound mixed team. Taljaard also clinched gold in the compound women’s class, with Ilana Malan securing gold in the compound women over-50 years class.World Games qualificationTaljaard had an outstanding competition, securing her spot for the prestigious multi-sport TWG competition scheduled for 7 to 17 August. According to TWG’s website, the event will unveil an inaugural Torch Relay and bring together over 5 000 athletes competing across 34 sports and 60 disciplines.Reflecting on qualifying to represent the country among the best in the world in China, Taljaard admitted that it came as a surprise. “I knew I was at the top of my game, but little did I know what would happen,” she told Sport Wrap.She said the competition meant a lot and she is thankful she kept her head level, cool and calm. “Not once did I think of the what-ifs like shooting a bad shot. This competition showed me that I am worthy of competing against some of the best archers in South Africa and, in fact, some of the best in the world.“It showed me that through Jesus Christ, anything is possible as long as I do it for His glory. I am incredibly happy to be able to represent Namibia at The World Games later this year,” she remarked.Other medallistsOther outstanding performances were by Lutz Wahlers, who clinched silver in the barebow men class and Janko du Plessis, who secured silver in compound men under-15. Jan-Lotz du Toit secured a bronze medal in the compound men open class and another bronze medal in the compound men open team with partner De-Villiers Visser.AAN target archery vice president Jacqueline Coetzee said the competition was marked by extreme weather conditions. “Rain poured down in buckets all weekend, making it very difficult to shoot,” she said.- mariud@nsh.com.na

AAN scoops three golds at Southern Regions Champs

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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AAN scoops three golds at Southern Regions Champs

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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