From ‘Extinct’ to Elite: The Resurgence of Archery in Tlaxcala

The landscape of archery in Tlaxcala is undergoing a profound transformation, evolving from a sport that was nearly forgotten in the region to a burgeoning powerhouse of talent. This revival reached a fever pitch during the recent Copa Presidente de tiro con arco, an event that underscored the state’s commitment to returning its athletes to the national and international stage.

Held in Apizaco at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento (High-Performance Center), the Copa Presidente has emerged as more than just a local tournament. It has become a critical gateway for athletes eyeing the highest levels of competition, serving as a national qualifier for the National League, the Central American Games and the Pan American Games, all whereas keeping a firm eye on the Olympic cycle leading to Los Angeles 2028.

A Historic Scale of Competition

The sheer scale of the event signals a shift in the sport’s popularity and accessibility within Mexico. According to Daniel Moncayo Cervantes, head of the Tlaxcala Institute of Sport (IDET), the tournament surpassed 600 registered athletes, marking it as the largest event of its kind ever held in the country.

For a global sport that often relies on specialized infrastructure and high-cost equipment, the gathering in Apizaco represents a successful centralization of talent. The field was not limited to newcomers; it featured a high-caliber mix of Olympic medalists, Pan American champions, and Central American champions, creating a high-pressure environment designed to push Mexican archers toward international standards.

Overcoming ‘Extinction’

The current momentum is particularly striking when contrasted with the state’s recent history. The growth of the sport hasn’t been a gradual climb but rather a deliberate rescue mission. Moncayo Cervantes noted that the state had moved from a period where archery was “practically extinct” to a fresh era of competitive viability.

This turnaround is already yielding tangible results. While the Copa Presidente attracted hundreds from across the region, the local impact is most evident in the qualification numbers. Around 30 archers from Tlaxcala registered for the event, and five have already secured their positions at the National Olympics.

For those following the sport, this is a crucial distinction. Moving from zero presence to having multiple athletes qualify for the National Olympics demonstrates that the state’s investment in training and facilities is translating into performance on the line.

The Road to Los Angeles 2028

While the immediate focus for many is the National Olympics and the National League, the long-term objective is the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The Copa Presidente acts as a foundational step in forming the teams that will represent Mexico in the Central American and Pan American Games, which serve as the primary stepping stones for Olympic qualification.

This strategic pipeline is essential. Archery is a sport of precision and psychological endurance; by exposing local athletes to a field of 600+ competitors and seasoned Olympic medalists, Tlaxcala is building the mental toughness required for the world stage.

It is helpful to remember that for most archers, the path to the Olympics isn’t a straight line but a series of qualifying windows. By hosting events of this magnitude, Tlaxcala ensures its athletes don’t have to travel far to find the competition they require to improve.

Tlaxcala: A Growing Global Hub

The success of the Copa Presidente does not exist in a vacuum. Tlaxcala has recently positioned itself as a destination for world-class archery. In October 2024, the city hosted the Hyundai Archery World Cup Final, bringing the absolute pinnacle of the sport to Mexican soil.

The World Cup Final showcased the state’s ability to handle elite international logistics and provided local fans with a front-row seat to the world’s best. The event saw athletes like Li Jiaman claim victory and featured strong Mexican representation, including Angela Ruiz, who competed in the quarterfinals against Li. The presence of established stars like Alejandra Valencia, Andrea Becerra, and Dafne Quintero during that period provided a blueprint for the local athletes now competing in the Copa Presidente.

By alternating between hosting the world’s elite and fostering grassroots growth through the Copa Presidente, Tlaxcala is creating a comprehensive ecosystem for the sport.

Key Milestones in Tlaxcala’s Archery Growth

• Copa Presidente Participation: Over 600 registered athletes, the largest such event in Mexico.
• Local Qualification: Five Tlaxcalan archers have already secured spots at the National Olympics.
• Strategic Infrastructure: Utilization of the Centro de Alto Rendimiento in Apizaco for high-performance training.
• Global Visibility: Hosting the 2024 Hyundai Archery World Cup Final, cementing the city’s status in the international archery community.

As the Olympic cycle progresses, the focus remains on converting these qualifications into medals. Moncayo Cervantes has expressed optimism that the current trajectory will lead to podium finishes in the coming years, completing the journey from a state where the sport was nearly extinct to one where it is a point of national pride.

The next major milestone for these athletes will be the National Olympics, where the five qualifiers from Tlaxcala will look to validate their progress and secure their place in the next generation of Mexican archery stars.

Do you think Tlaxcala’s investment in high-performance centers is the right model for other sports in Mexico? Share your thoughts in the comments below.