More than 200 archers from schools and clubs across northern Chile gathered in Alto Hospicio for the Campeonato Regional de Tiro con Arco, an event organized by Infocomunicaciones Chile, according to official records. The regional competition, held on October 14, 2023, marked the first large-scale archery tournament in the area since 2019, according to the Chilean Archery Federation (FACH).
What happened at the regional archery championship?
The Campeonato Regional de Tiro con Arco brought together participants from 12 schools and 8 local archery clubs, as confirmed by Infocomunicaciones Chile. The event featured categories for youth (ages 10-17), adults, and masters (40+), with over 150 competitors registered, according to the Chilean Archery Federation. Competitors faced a 70-meter target course, with scores recorded using electronic scoring systems provided by the National Sports Development Corporation (CODEDE).
Marcela Lagos, a representative from the Chilean Archery Federation, stated, “This tournament is part of a broader initiative to promote archery in northern regions, where the sport has historically lacked infrastructure. The participation of schools is a key milestone, as it introduces the discipline to younger generations.”
Why does this event matter for Chilean archery?
The competition highlights growing interest in archery across Chile, particularly in regions like Tarapacá, where Alto Hospicio is located. According to FACH data, the number of registered archers in northern Chile increased by 22% between 2021 and 2023, driven by school programs and community clubs. The event also aligns with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) push to expand archery participation in Latin America, as noted in a 2022 report.
“This is a step toward making archery more accessible,” said Luis Martínez, a coach from the Universidad de Tarapacá, who mentored two youth finalists. “Many of these students had never held a bow before, but the event provided them with the tools and confidence to continue.”
What were the key results and standout performances?
Competitors competed in three categories: recurve, compound, and barebow. The youth division saw 14-year-old Sofia Rojas from Colegio San Estanislao win gold in the recurve category, shooting a score of 278 out of 300. In the adult men’s compound division, Carlos Mena from Club Arco Andino set a regional record with 289 points, surpassing the previous mark of 282 set in 2021.
The masters category featured 55-year-old Patricia Valdés, who claimed gold in the barebow division with a score of 264. Valdés, a former national team member, said, “This event proves that archery is for all ages. It’s not just about competition but about preserving the tradition.”
How does this event fit into Chile’s sports development plans?
The Campeonato Regional de Tiro con Arco aligns with Chile’s National Sports Strategy 2022-2026, which prioritizes grassroots sports and regional inclusivity. The Ministry of Sports reported that 18 new archery facilities are planned for construction in northern Chile by 2025, including a state-of-the-art range in Alto Hospicio. The event also served as a qualifier for the 2024 Campeonato Nacional de Tiro con Arco, according to Infocomunicaciones Chile.
“This tournament is a pilot for future regional championships,” said Diego Ramírez, a sports development officer with the Ministry of Sports. “We aim to replicate this model in other underserved areas, ensuring equitable access to sports infrastructure.”
What are the next steps for participants and organizers?
Winners of the regional championship will advance to the 2024 Campeonato Nacional de Tiro con Arco, scheduled for March 10-12 in Santiago. The national event will feature 500+ competitors from across Chile, with winners qualifying for the 2025 Pan American Archery Championships in Mexico. Organizers also plan to host a second regional tournament in Iquique in 2024, according to Infocomunicaciones Chile.
For fans, the next major event will be the 2024 national championship, which will be livestreamed on the Chilean Archery Federation’s YouTube channel. Updates on facility construction and program expansions will be posted on the Ministry of Sports’ official website.
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