Durango, Mexico – The Unidad Deportiva 450 served as the stage for the second phase of the state eliminatory for Tiro con Arco (archery) as athletes vie for a spot in the 2026 CONADE National Olympics. The competition brought together local archers and invited athletes from the state of Zacatecas, providing a crucial assessment of technical skill in both recurve and compound bow disciplines. Under the supervision of external judges, the event rigorously evaluated athlete performance following a 72-arrow qualifying round, identifying leaders in the talent detection process within the state.
Competitive Level and Technical Oversight
The validity of the results in this stage of archery was bolstered by the presence of Julio Angulo, a judge from Sinaloa, who served as an external observer of the technical development. Coordination, led by Efraín Flores of the State Association, ensured the competition adhered to the national technical annex regulations – a critical factor for homologating athlete scores aspiring to reach the final phase of the National Olympics. This meticulous oversight underscores Durango’s commitment to fair and standardized competition.
Recurve Archery Standout Performances
In the recurve discipline, scores reflected a closely contested field, particularly within the youth categories where precision proved to be the defining factor. The competition highlighted emerging talent and established a clear picture of the state’s strengths in this traditional archery style.
Leadership in Sub-21 and Sub-24 Categories
In the men’s Sub-21 division, Juan Carlos Velázquez Santa Cruz led with a score of 590, closely followed by Sebastián Gilberto Ríos with 580 points. Demonstrating strong female performances in the same category, Mariana Paola Cruz Rodríguez topped the women’s standings with 589 points. Meanwhile, in the Sub-24 Women’s division, Carolina Alcántara Ramírez showcased notable technical superiority, concluding her participation with a score of 556, establishing a significant lead over her nearest competitor.
Competition in Younger Categories and Inter-State Duel
The Sub-18 men’s category featured an inter-state duel where Andrew Alexander Serrano Ruiz, representing Durango, secured first place with 528 points, surpassing Luis Ángel Lucio Dávila from Zacatecas. Similarly, in the Sub-18 women’s division, Tamara Valentina Vargas González registered 544 points, solidifying her preparation. In the younger divisions, Issac Hernández Palos successfully completed the qualifying process in the Sub-16 category with a score of 380 points. These results indicate a strong pipeline of developing talent within Durango’s archery program.
Compound Bow Performance
The compound bow modality, known for its high mechanical precision, was highlighted by the performance of invited athlete Federico Sánchez Ibarra from Zacatecas. He achieved a score of 599 in the Sub-24 men’s category. His participation raised the competitive bar for local archers, prompting them to refine their performance standards against archers from other regions. The inclusion of external competitors serves as a valuable benchmark for Durango’s athletes.
Training Process and Institutional Support
The event, convened by the Government of the State of Durango through the State Sports Institute (IED), under the direction of César Cárdenas Reyes, is part of a policy that prioritizes continuous training in Tiro con Arco. The inclusion of athletes from Zacatecas serves as a regional competition simulation, allowing local talents to identify areas for technical improvement before the final integration of the state delegation. This strategic approach demonstrates a commitment to developing a competitive team prepared for the national stage.
The CONADE National Olympics represent a significant opportunity for young athletes across Mexico. The rigorous selection process, like the recent eliminatory in Durango, ensures that only the most skilled and dedicated archers will advance. For those unfamiliar, CONADE (Comisión Nacional de Cultura Física y Deporte) is Mexico’s national commission for physical culture and sport, responsible for organizing and overseeing national sporting events, including the Olympics and Paralympics. [3]
Looking ahead, the athletes who qualified through this eliminatory will continue their training, preparing for the next stage of the competition. The State Sports Institute will provide ongoing support, including access to facilities, coaching, and resources. The ultimate goal is to assemble a strong delegation to represent Durango at the 2026 CONADE National Olympics, showcasing the state’s archery talent on a national platform.
The second phase of the eliminatory, held on March 17, 2026, at the Unidad Deportiva 450, marks a significant step forward in Durango’s archery program. The dedication of the athletes, the support of the state government, and the expertise of the judges and coordinators are all contributing to a promising future for Tiro con Arco in the region. [2]
The next steps for these athletes involve continued training and preparation for the upcoming national competition. Fans can stay updated on the progress of Durango’s archers through the State Sports Institute’s official channels and local sports news outlets.
