PUEBLA, Mexico – Two student-athletes from the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP) achieved international recognition at the Las Vegas Shoot 2026, one of archery’s most prestigious indoor competitions, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Fernando Castellanos Lara, a law student, secured the gold medal in the Recurve Flight 3 division, while Andrea Ximena Pérez Martínez, a political sciences student, earned silver in the Recurve Flight 11 category. Their performances highlighted BUAP’s growing strength in collegiate archery on the global stage.
The Las Vegas Shoot, now in its 60th edition, attracted over 4,000 competitors from 70 countries and is sanctioned by the Indoor Archery World Series. Castellanos Lara’s victory was particularly notable as he as well received special recognition for achieving the highest world ranking among Mexican athletes in his division. Pérez Martínez’s silver medal marked her debut at an international tournament, a milestone made possible through BUAP’s institutional support.
Both athletes credited their success to the comprehensive support system provided by their university. Pérez Martínez emphasized the role of BUAP’s multidisciplinary teams, including psychology, nutrition, sports medicine, gym facilities, and physiotherapy, in enabling her to compete despite financial challenges. Castellanos Lara expressed deep gratitude for the university’s holistic approach, stating that BUAP is “the most relevant part of my life” and has allowed him to balance athletic pursuits with academic responsibilities.
The achievements underscore the effectiveness of BUAP’s sports development programs, which integrate academic excellence with high-performance athletics. By providing access to specialized resources and fostering an environment where student-athletes can thrive in both domains, the institution has cultivated competitors capable of medaling at elite international events.
Looking ahead, Castellanos Lara and Pérez Martínez are expected to continue representing BUAP in upcoming national and international competitions. Their success at the Las Vegas Shoot 2026 serves as inspiration for fellow student-athletes and reinforces the university’s commitment to nurturing talent across all disciplines.
For continued updates on BUAP’s athletic programs and student-athlete achievements, visit the university’s official athletics portal or follow their social media channels.
