Namibia’s top target archers recently showcased their precision and skill at the 19th Namibian Target Archery Nationals, held at the newly renovated Namibian Cricket Grounds (NCG) in Olympia.
The championships attracted 22 competitors from Namibia and South Africa, highlighting the growing popularity of target archery in the region. Archers competed across the Barebow, Recurve and Compound divisions in pursuit of national titles, gold medals and valuable tournament experience.
The competition began with Saturday’s WA 720 Qualification Round, where athletes battled for ranking positions ahead of Sunday’s elimination rounds. Competitors enjoyed ideal shooting conditions, with crisp winter mornings giving way to calm, sunny weather that provided an excellent setting for high-level competition.
Sunday featured the head-to-head elimination matches and medal rounds, culminating in the crowning of Namibia’s national champions and an official prize-giving ceremony. Beyond the medals, the championships served as a crucial preparation event for Namibia’s national team, with eight archers set to represent the country at the 15th African Target Archery Championships in Oran, Algeria, from 21 to 26 July 2026.
The event provided valuable match experience under international tournament conditions ahead of the continental competition. The weekend also marked an important milestone for trainee judge Pieter du Plessis, who successfully qualified as a Namibian Regional Judge after passing his practical examination under the supervision of visiting International Judge Charmaine Ho.
One of the most popular features of the championships was the Fun Shoot held after Saturday’s qualification rounds. Open to competitors, officials, judges and spectators, the activity gave everyone the chance to test their archery skills in a relaxed environment. Veteran archer Moritz Hoff claimed the top prize, winning a weekend-for-two getaway voucher.
Organisers said the Fun Shoot highlighted the inclusive nature of archery by encouraging spectators to step onto the shooting line and experience the sport firsthand.
Among the standout performances, Jannie Meuwesen claimed the National Champion and gold medal titles in the Compound Men’s division, while Ilana Malan successfully defended both the National Champion and gold medal honours in the Compound Women 50+ category. Lutz Wahlers secured victory in the Barebow Men’s division, with Jacqueline Coetzee winning the Compound Women’s title. Rising young archers Adriaan van Wyk and Rainar Kruger also impressed by capturing national titles and gold medals in the Under-15 and Under-13 Compound categories respectively.
Organisers thanked the archers, judges, officials, volunteers, sponsors and supporters whose contributions ensured another successful edition of the national championships. With strong participation, excellent performances and growing regional interest, the event once again demonstrated the continued development of target archery in Namibia and provided a fitting platform as the country’s top athletes prepare for continental competition.
The full result at the 19th Namibian Target Archery Nationals:
Namibian National Champion title winners:
Compound men 50+: Moritz Hoff (WAC)
Compound woman 50+: Ilana Malan (WAC)
Compound Men: Jannie Meuwesen (WAC)
Compound woman: Jacqueline Coetzee (SAC)
Compound Men u15: Adriaan van Wyk (WAC)
Compound men u/13: Rainar Kruger (WAC)
Barebow men: Lutz Wahlers (SAC)
Compound men Para: Alvin Iita (WAC)
Compound woman Para: Saimi Shilunga (WAC)
Gold medal winners are as follows:
Compound men 50+: Louan Groenewald (WAC)
Compound woman 50+: Ilana Malan (WAC)
Compound Men: Jannie Meuwesen (WAC)
Compound woman: Jacqueline Coetzee (SAC)
Compound woman u/21: Danette Pretorius (SAC)
Compound Men u15: Adriaan van Wyk (WAC)
Compound men u/13: Rainar Kruger (WAC)
Barebow men: Lutz Wahlers (SAC)
Recurve men u/18: Ben Oosthuizen (South Africa)
Compound men Para: Alvin Iita (WAC)
Compound woman Para: Saimi Shilunga (WAC)
The Robin spot round was won by: Louan Groenewald (Senior Men) Babette Taljaard (Senior Woman) and Adriaan van Wyk (Junior – u/21- Men).
By Rudi Bowe
