The inaugural Zen Archery Lagos International Open Tournament marked a significant milestone as the first international archery competition held in Nigeria. Over the course of four days, the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, transformed into a vibrant hub of archery enthusiasts, welcoming over 100 participants from across Nigeria and other African nations. Organized in collaboration with the Lagos State Sports Commission, the tournament showcased the growing popularity and potential of archery within the country. Sixteen clubs vied for top honors across various categories, including recurve, compound, barebow, mixed team, youth, and para-archery, demonstrating the inclusivity and diverse appeal of the sport.
Emmanuel Oyeleke, the founder of Zen Archery, expressed immense satisfaction not only with his team’s gold medal victory in the men’s compound category but also with the overall success of the tournament. He highlighted the tremendous effort involved in bringing together such a large and diverse group of archers, surpassing initial expectations despite limited resources. Oyeleke emphasized the significance of the event in fostering camaraderie and competition, setting the stage for future growth and development of archery in Nigeria. His vision extends beyond the tournament itself, aiming to establish a sustainable platform for nurturing young talent and promoting the sport nationwide.
The tournament witnessed impressive performances from various clubs, including Zen Archery, which secured multiple medals. Beyond their gold in the men’s compound division, they also claimed silver in the recurve men’s and recurve 50m men’s team events. Their prowess extended to the barebow category, where they clinched gold in the 50m men’s team event. This diverse medal haul underscored the depth of talent within the club and their commitment to excellence across different archery disciplines.
TAC Toupah Arc Club from Ivory Coast emerged as a dominant force, particularly in the recurve categories. Their archers, including standout performers Yao Kouassi Chadrac, Prisca Kossia, and Japhet Teki Kouakoussui, showcased remarkable skill and precision, sweeping gold medals in both individual and team divisions. Their success highlighted the growing competitiveness of archery within the African continent and the potential for future collaborations and exchanges between nations.
The Zen Archery Lagos International Open Tournament served not only as a platform for competition but also as a launchpad for the Zen Archery Sports Foundation. This non-profit organization aims to broaden access to archery by providing free coaching, mentorship, and equipment to underserved youth across Nigeria. This initiative reflects a commitment to social impact, recognizing the transformative power of sports in empowering young individuals and fostering community development. By removing financial barriers and providing essential resources, the foundation aims to cultivate a new generation of archers and expand the reach of the sport to diverse communities.
The successful execution of the tournament and the launch of the foundation signify a pivotal moment for archery in Nigeria. The event not only showcased the current talent within the country but also laid the groundwork for future growth and development. The commitment of individuals like Emmanuel Oyeleke and organizations like Zen Archery is instrumental in nurturing a thriving archery community and inspiring a new generation of archers. The tournament’s international dimension also fosters collaboration and exchange within the African archery landscape, promising a bright future for the sport across the continent. The Zen Archery Sports Foundation’s focus on inclusivity and youth development further strengthens the foundation for long-term sustainability and positive social impact through archery.
