Daniel Barbosa, a veterinarian who coaches the Black Arrow archery club, told Caracol Radio that the Tolima department urgently needs an official departmental archery league so its regional talents can compete in the National Games.
The push for regional accreditation follows a strong showing by Tolima athletes at the Campeonato Regional Zona Andina y Campeonato Regional Final held in Cali from October 21 to 25, 2026, where a local novice athlete in the under-12 recurve division secured a bronze medal in the classification round and a silver in individual matches, as reported by Ecos del Combeima.
The Veterinary Coach and the Training Routine
Barbosa balances a demanding veterinary practice with his coaching commitments, traveling regularly to Ibagué specifically to run training sessions. Despite the logistical hurdles of operating without formal departmental backing, his club has produced competitive athletes who now risk missing out on selection processes for the Colombian national team due to the structural absence of a recognized league.
Colombia stands as a global powerhouse in the sport, boasting world-class competitors such as Sara López of Pereira and the sixth-ranked international archer Pablo Gómez, according to Barbosa’s remarks to Caracol Radio. Yet local competitors in Tolima face a ceiling when regional governing bodies lag behind grassroots enthusiasm. Barbosa noted, Es un deporte individual, pero también grupal, Colombia es potencia en tiro con arco, tenemos la mejor arquera del mundo que es Sara López de Pereira, pero también a Pablo Gómez que es el sexto mejor arquero del mundo
.
Requirements and Institutional Hurdles
Establishing the required departmental league demands a formal foundation of masification and active club participation. Barbosa confirmed that while the foundational mass-participation phase is complete and talks are underway with Indeportes, administrative obstacles have slowed final accreditation. Departmental regulations require at least three clubs with valid sports recognition to establish a league, a threshold the region currently meets with its three active clubs.
Parents and supporters of the Black Arrow club have stepped up to help manage the documentation and administrative requirements needed by Indeportes Tolima. Beyond competition medals, families emphasize that the discipline fosters critical life skills, including self-control, patience, focus, and responsibility, shaping youths well beyond the archery range, as noted by Ecos del Combeima. One parent explained that the four days of competition revealed the high level of preparation seen in other regional sports systems and added, Es una actividad deportiva que forma mucho más que arqueros
, while also noting that the activity fosters teamwork, safety, and respect for teammates, competitors, and the environment.
The Appeal to Regional Authorities
Families and trainers have called directly on Indeportes Tolima, the departmental governor’s office, the mayoral administration of Ibagué, and private businesses to provide crucial backing, logistics, and technical support. Sources also noted calls for institutional support through courses, training, and sponsorships. While local athletes currently utilize training spaces facilitated by IMDRI at the Parque Deportivo and the stadium, organizers argue that comprehensive institutional sponsorship remains vital for the sport’s survival.
As Barbosa and local families continue gathering the final paperwork required by sports authorities, the question remains whether Indeportes Tolima will expedite the league’s recognition in time to secure eligibility for upcoming national competitions.
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