Puebla Sets Global Stage as Archery World Cup 2026 Stage 1 Concludes

The first stage of the 2026 Archery World Cup in Puebla, Mexico, wrapped up on April 13, cementing the city’s status as a premier destination for international sport. Over six days of intense competition, more than 400 archers from 32 countries descended upon the city, bringing world-class precision to the heart of Puebla’s historic center.

From the tension of the bowstrings at the Parque del Arte to the ceremonial grandeur of the Zócalo, the event combined high-stakes athletics with the cultural richness of a UNESCO World Heritage site. For the global archery community, the event was more than a series of matches. it was a showcase of organizational capacity and athletic excellence.

Mexican National Team Secures Triple Bronze

The host nation found plenty of reason to celebrate, as the Mexican Selection walked away with three bronze medals across the compound and recurve bow disciplines. The podium finishes highlighted the depth of Mexico’s current archery talent.

In the compound bow category, the trio of Ana Sofía Hernández, Andrea Becerra, and Dafne Quintero secured their bronze after a hard-fought victory over Turkey. They were joined on the third-step of the podium by the men’s team—Juan del Río, Sebastián García, and Máximo Méndez—who defeated Denmark with a final score of 233-226.

The recurve bow category also yielded success for the home crowd, with Alejandra Valencia, Ana Paula Vázquez, and Ángela Ruíz claiming bronze in the women’s division.

The Heartbreak of the Tie-Breaker

One of the most dramatic moments of the tournament occurred in the individual compound bow competition. Dafne Quintero fought her way into the semifinals, where she faced off against Colombia’s Sara López. In a display of absolute precision, both athletes finished tied at 149 points.

The match was decided by a single tie-breaking arrow. Quintero narrowly missed the mark, leaving her in fourth place and López to advance. While a podium finish eluded her in the individual event, Quintero’s performance remains a highlight of the stage.

International Praise for Puebla’s Hosting

The feedback from visiting delegations was overwhelmingly positive, focusing on the city’s infrastructure and the hospitality of its residents. Rubén Montes, coach of the Spanish team, described Puebla as an “exceptional” venue, noting that the organization met the highest international standards.

Athletes also noted how local conditions played a role in their performance. Colombian star Sara López mentioned that the climate in Puebla, which closely mirrored that of her home country, made for a comfortable and productive competition. Similarly, Claudia de la Cruz of Guatemala remarked that the experience made her feel “at home,” citing the beauty of the city and the quality of the accommodations.

For those based in the European circuit, the cultural appeal was a significant draw. René Palacios, a staff member with a background in Spain, highlighted the city’s immense cultural wealth as a key part of the experience for the athletes.

A Strategic Investment in Sport

The event was backed by a coalition of state and municipal authorities, including Puebla Governor Alejandro Armenta Mier and Mayor José Chedraui. The inauguration, held in the Zócalo near the Puebla Cathedral, emphasized the use of sport as a tool for social transformation and urban projection.

Greg Easton, President of World Archery, praised the technical and organizational capacity of the state and thanked the support of CONADE and its head, Rommel Pacheco. Easton noted that Pacheco’s history as a high-performance athlete was instrumental in strengthening the growth of archery within Mexico.

To ensure the event leaves a lasting legacy beyond the medals, Gabriel Ramos Rodríguez, President of World Archery Mexico, announced a commitment to expand the sport’s reach. This includes the opening of three new archery schools in Puebla, designed to integrate more local residents into national selection pipelines.

The tournament also drew attention from other sporting icons. World boxing champion Gabriela “La Bonita” Sánchez attended the event, stating that such international competitions inspire young people in Puebla to pursue their dreams through physical activity.

Looking Ahead: The Road to China

The conclusion of Stage 1 in Puebla serves as a critical building block for the Mexican national team. The momentum gained from their three bronze medals will be carried across the Pacific as the squad prepares for their next major challenge.

The Mexican selection is scheduled to compete in China from May 5 to May 10, where they will look to build on their Puebla success and climb further up the world rankings.

With the first stage successfully closed, the archery world now turns its attention to the upcoming legs of the 2026 circuit. For Puebla, the event has proven that the city can handle the pressure of a global spotlight while fostering the next generation of athletes.

Next Checkpoint: The Mexican national team competes in China, May 5–10, 2026.