The inaugural Archery Oceania Cup, held on Denarau Island from October 10 to 12, illuminated the competitive spirit of Pacific archery and marked a pivotal moment for the sport in Fiji. This event not only boosted the visibility of archery in the region but also showcased the growing challenges faced by local athletes, underscoring the need for sustained development.
Archery, a sport with deep ancestral roots and Olympic recognition, is also an essential feature of the Pacific Games, attracting top archers from across Oceania. Earlier this year, Team Fiji demonstrated its dedication to the sport by sending a contingent of archers to the Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games, highlighting their commitment to fostering new talent in this challenging discipline.
The Oceania Cup commenced with a symbolic gesture as Olympian Robert Elder and Pacific Games double-silver medalist Chaandvi Prasad took the first shots, emphasizing the significance of experienced mentorship in nurturing emerging talent. Prasad, a consistent performer, added further accolades to her career by securing a hard-fought bronze in the Recurve Women’s division, standing proudly alongside medalists from New Zealand.
In the men’s recurve division, Australian archers Christopher Jackson, Alex Smith, and Eduardo Delos Reyes achieved a clean sweep, highlighting the formidable competition within the region. However, Fiji’s bright spot came from Damien Kivi, who clinched gold in the Recurve Under-21 Men category, showcasing the potential of the next generation of shooters.
Fiji also celebrated success in the compound categories. Jacob Kivi earned a bronze in Compound Men while Sadie Tunaulu secured silver in Compound Women, both amid tough competition from athletes from Solomon Islands and New Zealand. Tunaulu proved her mettle by winning gold in the Compound Women’s WA720 ranking round, underlining her prowess in the sport.
The significance of the event extended beyond individual performances; it marked a crucial advancement in the technical aspects of archery in Fiji. Caroll Sela, World Archery Fiji Secretary, and George Fong officiated as accredited judges for the first time, alongside Ajay Ballu, emphasizing the importance of educating and developing local officials to elevate the standard of competition in Fiji.
The tournament’s success was further bolstered by the contributions of sponsors like the Fiji National Sports Commission and FIJI Water, whose support was crucial in making the event possible. Nathan Kirk, president of World Archery Fiji, expressed his appreciation for the positive feedback from participating teams and noted that the event played a vital role in promoting the sport’s growth in the Pacific region.
Reflecting on the historical and evolving nature of archery, the Oceania Cup’s debut in Fiji signifies both a milestone and a call to action for local archers to intensify their efforts. As the archery community counts its medals and celebrates individual achievements, it is aware of the rising standards across the region, emphasizing the need for deeper investment and broader participation to remain competitive on the international stage.
Overall, the event provided hope and motivation for Fiji’s archery future, showcasing the resilience and determination of its athletes. It is a reminder that with ongoing commitment, Fiji can continue to enhance its presence in the regional archery landscape, inspiring young talent and fostering a love for the sport.
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