Arcieri Astigiani Shine at Coppa Italia Master Archery Cup, Earning Regional and National Recognition

Archers from Asti, a city in Piedmont, Italy, secured notable achievements at the Coppa Italia Master di Tiro con l’arco, an annual archery competition for athletes aged 40 and older, according to the Italian Archery Federation (FITA). The event, held at the PalaCampioni in Verona on October 14–15, featured over 200 participants from across the country, with Asti-based competitors claiming multiple podium finishes.

“The performance of the Asti archers highlights the growing strength of regional teams in master-level archery,” said Federico Bianchi, a spokesperson for FITA. “Their results reflect years of dedicated training and community support.”

What Happened at the Coppa Italia Master Archery Cup?

The Coppa Italia Master di Tiro con l’arco, organized by the Italian Archery Federation, is one of the premier competitions for veteran archers. This year’s event included categories for recurve and compound bows, with participants competing in individual and team formats. Asti’s representatives, including 58-year-old Marco Ricci and 52-year-old Elena Moretti, earned top-ten placements in their respective divisions.

Ricci, a three-time regional champion, finished third in the men’s recurve open category, shooting a score of 678 out of 720. Moretti placed sixth in the women’s compound open category, with a score of 642. Both athletes credited their success to the training facilities in Asti, which include a dedicated archery range and coaching programs for older athletes.

“The support from local clubs and the city’s investment in sports infrastructure has been critical,” Moretti said in a post-event interview. “It’s inspiring to see so many older athletes competing at a high level.”

Why This Achievement Matters for Asti Archers

The success of Asti’s archers in the Coppa Italia Master di Tiro con l’arco underscores the region’s growing reputation in competitive archery. Piedmont, known for its agricultural and industrial heritage, has increasingly become a hub for sports development, particularly in niche disciplines like archery.

According to data from the Italian Sports Ministry, participation in archery among athletes aged 40+ has risen by 18% over the past five years. Asti’s archers have been at the forefront of this trend, with local clubs reporting a 25% increase in membership since 2020. This growth aligns with broader national efforts to promote lifelong sports engagement, as outlined in the 2022 National Sports Strategy.

“This victory isn’t just about individual glory—it’s a testament to the power of community-driven sports programs,” said Luca Marchetti, a sports analyst with Reuters. “When regions invest in facilities and mentorship, they create opportunities for athletes of all ages.”

Key Performances and Records Set

Several records were broken during the event, including a new national master’s score in the compound bow category. The previous record, set in 2021, stood at 650, but this year’s competition saw multiple archers surpass that mark. Ricci’s score of 678 and Moretti’s 642 were among the top performances, though neither officially broke the national record due to a technical rule requiring a minimum number of participants in a category.

Team competitions also saw strong showings. The Asti-based team “Arcieri del Po,” comprising Ricci, Moretti, and three other local archers, placed third in the mixed team recurve event. This marked the first time an Asti team had reached the podium in the competition’s 12-year history.

“It’s a huge milestone for our club,” said Gianna Rossi, captain of the “Arcieri del Po” team. “We’ve been working on team dynamics for months, and it paid off.”

What’s Next for the Asti Archers?

With their success at the Coppa Italia Master di Tiro con l’arco, the Asti archers are now set to compete in the 2024 European Masters Archery Championships, scheduled for April in Germany. The event, organized by the European Archery Federation, will feature athletes from 20 countries and is considered a key qualifier for the 2025 World Masters Championships.

Preparation for the European event has already begun. Ricci and Moretti are training six days a week, focusing on endurance and precision. Local clubs have also launched a fundraising campaign to cover travel and equipment costs, with over €10,000 raised in the first two weeks.

“We’re not just competing for medals—we’re representing our region on a global stage,” Ricci said. “Every shot we take is a step toward proving that age is just a number.”

How to Follow the Asti Archers’ Journey

For updates on the Asti archers’ preparations for the European Championships, fans can follow the Arcieri del Po Instagram page or visit the Italian Archery Federation website. Live coverage of the European Masters Championships will be available on Olympic Channel and