Juan Ignacio del Moral Arauzo, the president of Club Arco Pucela and a defining figure in Castilian-Leonese archery, died in Valladolid at age 64 after a seven-year battle with lymphoma, El Norte de Castilla reported. Known to his peers simply as Nacho, he remained active in the sport through his final years despite heavy treatments, maintaining a legacy that spanned regional titles and youth development in Spain.
A Decorated Career in Compound Bow Archery
Del Moral specialized in the compound bow division, where his competitive drive yielded notable milestones on both regional and national stages. Records show he captured the Castile and León championship in 2025 and set a national record at the Spanish Mixed Championship in 2023. Beyond his tenure leading Club Arco Pucela, his local club history included stints with Club de Tiro Arcolid and Arco Club Valladolid.
A Lifelong Commitment to Youth and Community
Away from the competitive shooting line, del Moral directed the youth training academy at Club Arco Pucela. Peers noted that his involvement extended to driving directly to students’ homes to ensure they could attend practice and school-league competitions. Fellow archers and officials, including Spanish national team fixture Alberto Blázquez and competitor Nacho Catalán, remembered him as a pillar of the local sporting community whose generosity and camaraderie reached every corner of the venue.
Medical Battles and Final Days
His health challenges intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic when he underwent an autologous bone marrow transplant. Following a subsequent relapse involving chemotherapy and transfusions, he received a 50%-compatible marrow transplant from his daughter, Sandra. Complications ultimately led to an intensive care unit admission, where he was attended by his wife, Pili, and daughter Sandra until his passing on Saturday.
