Archery getting more popular
by Matthew T. Umpang, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on February 18, 2012, Saturday
PRECISION ARCHER: 13-years old newcomer Antonio Joseph Dreba (second from left) of Kuching created an upset when he finished first place overall ahead of tournament favourites Ericsson Mahesh Rakesh (fourth from left) in the U15 category.
KUCHING: Archery is getting more popular among the youths in the state and this augurs well for Sarawak as it aims to become a powerhouse in the sport.
“Judging by the large number of participants and high level of standard shown by the competitors at the Sarawak School Sports Council (MSSS) Archery Tournament, I can safely say that the sport of archery has a bright future in Sarawak. The sport is getting more popular each day and I am confident Sarawak will one day become a powerhouse in archery,” commented MSSN Archery coordinator Jamil Talip Jamel to the Borneo Post at the prize-giving ceremony of the tournament yesterday.
According to him, this year’s tournament saw a record number of participants as compared to previous years and added, “It is a good sign that the sport is well received by the younger generations in Sarawak”.
In the Boys U15 category, 13-years old newcomer Antonio Joseph Dreba of Kuching created an upset when he finished first place overall ahead of favourites Ericsson Mahesh Rakesh of Miri. Antonio collected the highest points in 3 out of 4 target range contested during the tournament which is the 30 metres, 40 metres and 60 metres.
CALCULATING: A tournament marshal diligently counting the marks while participants look on eagerly. — Photos by Edwin Chandra
Highly rated state Sukma athlete Ericsson had to settle in second place overall after finishing second to Antonio in the 60 metres and 40 metres range. He only managed to win first place in the 50 metres event.
Sarikei’s Susie Yek won the overall Girls U15 when she topped the 60 metres, 50 metres, 40 metres and 30 metres events.
In the U18 category, Ezri Mukhriz Suhardi of Kuching finished first place in the Boys category while Jacklin Ahkuan also of Kuching was champion in the Girl’s event.
The U12 event saw young archer Abg Haikal Najmie Iskandar of Kuching winning the title with Kuching girls making a clean sweep as Fatin Farhana Mohammad finished first followed by May Joseph Dreba in second.
Winners of the archery tournament will go on to represent the state at the national level meet hosted by Kuantan in May this year.
