More Than 43 Archers, One Major Opportunity
BACOLOD - More than 43 archers are competing in the national qualifiers, with the top four earning the chance to represent the Philippines at the 2026 Asian Youth Archery Championship. The competition is about much more than hitting the center of a target. Archers must manage pressure, maintain concentration, control their movements, and remain consistent even when every point can affect the final standings. For young competitors, the event provides a valuable opportunity to experience the intensity of national-level competition while taking another step toward an international stage.
Three Bacolod Archers Take Their Shot
Bacolod has three athletes carrying the city's hopes into the competition: Antoine Gabriel Maleza in Recurve Under-21 Men, Una Ejercito in Recurve Under-21 Women, and Danika Marie Asto in Compound Under-21 Women. Their participation puts local talent directly into a national qualifying environment, giving them an opportunity to measure their skills against other young archers from across the country. Each arrow becomes a test of preparation and discipline, with a place on the Philippine team potentially within reach.
The Road From Bacolod to Asia
Hosting a national qualifier gives Bacolod another opportunity to showcase its growing role as a venue for competitive sports. For the athletes, meanwhile, the event represents a possible gateway to a much bigger stage. The competition scheduled for October 29 is expected to bring intense performances as archers chase the four available spots for the Asian Youth Championship. Whether they are competing for a national ranking, representing their city, or pursuing an international opportunity, the young athletes are demonstrating an important lesson: reaching the target starts long before the arrow is released. It begins with patience, discipline, and the courage to take the shot.
