The Polideportivo Ahoralm in Guadalajara, Mexico, hosted a regional archery tournament over the weekend, drawing competitors from across western Mexico to test their precision and focus in a sport where millimeters separate victory from near-miss.
The event, held Saturday and Sunday at the municipal sports complex located in the city’s eastern district, featured both recurve and compound divisions across age categories from youth to masters. Organized by the Jalisco State Archery Association in coordination with the local municipal sports department, the tournament served as a qualifying event for the national circuit later this year.
According to verified results published by the association on its official website, over 120 archers participated, with competitors representing clubs from Jalisco, Michoacán, Colima, and Nayarit. The competition followed World Archery rules, using a 70-meter distance for recurve and 50 meters for compound, with elimination matches deciding final standings after initial ranking rounds.
In the men’s recurve category, Diego Ramírez of Guadalajara’s Club de Arquería Norte secured the gold medal with a cumulative score of 1,342 points over the two-day event, edging out Luis Méndez of Zapopan by just eight points. Ramírez, a 22-year-old university student, had previously placed fifth in the national junior championships last year and cited consistent training at the Polideportivo’s outdoor range as key to his performance.
“It’s not just about strength or eyesight,” Ramírez said in a post-match interview verified by the association’s media team. “It’s about repeating the same motion, shot after shot, even when your arms are tired. That’s what we practice here every week.”
The women’s recurve title went to Valeria Sánchez of Tlaquepaque, who posted a 1,289 total to defeat Mariana López of Chapala in the final match. Sánchez, 19, has been competing nationally for three years and is currently ranked among the top 20 in her age group by the Mexican Archery Federation.
In compound divisions, where mechanical aids allow for higher precision and flatter trajectories, the top spots were claimed by experienced shooters. Jorge Villalobos won men’s compound with a 1,398 score, while Ana Sofía Reyes took women’s gold with 1,351 — both marks approaching the threshold for national team consideration in their respective categories.
The Polideportivo Ahoralm facility, which underwent renovations in 2022 to upgrade its archery range with new target buttresses, windbreaks, and covered shooting lines, has grow a regular host for regional events. Municipal sports director Carlos Méndez confirmed in a statement to local press that the venue averages one archery competition per month during the dry season, from November through April.
“We’ve invested in making this a proper competition venue,” Méndez said. “It’s not just for practice anymore. We want archers from other states to come here and feel they’re in a professional environment.”
Weather conditions over the weekend were favorable, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F) and light winds averaging 5–10 km/h — ideal for outdoor archery, where even slight gusts can alter arrow trajectory at long range.
The tournament likewise included a developmental division for archers under 15, aimed at encouraging youth participation. Over 30 young athletes competed in this category, using shorter distances and reduced target sizes. Coaches noted that early exposure to structured competition helps build discipline and mental resilience — qualities transferable beyond sport.
Archery has seen steady growth in Mexico over the past decade, particularly in urban centers where municipal programs have introduced the sport in schools and community centers. According to data from the Mexican Archery Federation, registered competitors increased by 18% between 2020 and 2023, with Jalisco ranking among the top three states for athlete development.
Events like the one at Polideportivo Ahoralm serve as critical stepping stones. While not offering international qualification points, they provide athletes with competitive experience, official rankings, and visibility to national selectors who attend select regional meets.
Looking ahead, the Jalisco State Archery Association has scheduled its next ranking event for May 18–19 at the same venue, which will serve as a direct qualifier for the national circuit’s second leg. Athletes aiming to compete in the Central American and Caribbean Games or Pan American Championships later this year must accumulate sufficient points through such tournaments.
For now, the focus remains on consistency. As Ramírez noted after his win, archery rewards repetition more than brilliance. “One great shot doesn’t win a tournament,” he said. “Ten average ones in a row do.”
The Polideportivo Ahoralm will continue to host archery and other sports throughout the year, with its schedule posted on the municipal sports department’s official website. Fans and athletes seeking updates on future events can follow the Jalisco State Archery Association’s verified social media channels for announcements, results, and registration details.
The next checkpoint for regional archers is the May qualifying event at Polideportivo Ahoralm, where standings will shift and new contenders will emerge. For those who competed this weekend, the work begins again on the range — where every arrow is a chance to improve.
