Unquillo, Córdoba, Argentina – Three archers from La Rioja province are set to compete in the first ranking event of the Northern Zone 3D archery season this Sunday, March 8th. The tournament, held in Unquillo, Córdoba, marks the beginning of a crucial period for the athletes as they aim for selection to the Argentine national team.
Lucas Mercado Luna and Jonathan Ibarra Brizuela will compete in the challenging Compound Men’s category, while José Luis Luque will participate in the Compound Hunter division. The competition will test their precision and adaptability across a demanding course designed to simulate real-world hunting scenarios.
This regional event isn’t just a standalone competition; it serves as a vital stepping stone towards the Double Evaluative Tournament 3D and Field, scheduled for April 3rd and 4th in Río Cuarto. Success at Río Cuarto is paramount, as it’s the primary pathway for archers to earn a coveted spot on the Argentine national team.
The course in Unquillo will feature 24 shooting stations strategically placed throughout a natural terrain. Archers will face three-dimensional animal silhouettes at varying distances, heights and lighting conditions, demanding not only accuracy but also a keen ability to read the landscape and adjust their technique accordingly. The competition is scheduled to start at 8:30 AM local time (11:30 UTC).
The 3D archery format, gaining popularity worldwide, challenges archers to replicate the conditions of hunting, requiring them to estimate distances and account for environmental factors. Unlike traditional target archery, 3D archery emphasizes instinctive shooting and adaptability, making it a compelling test of skill.
This tournament builds on recent successes for La Rioja archers. In June 2025, Jonathan Ibarra Brizuela and Lucas Mercado Luna both secured medals at a Rankeable 3D tournament in Córdoba, as reported by Nueva Rioja. Ibarra Brizuela took gold in the Compound Men’s category, while Mercado Luna, in his debut in the Longbow category, earned a bronze medal. The Longbow category utilizes traditional wooden bows and wooden arrows, shot without sights, relying on instinctive aiming.
Ibarra Brizuela’s performance in the previous Córdoba tournament saw him achieve a second-place finish in the qualifying round with 429 points, before ultimately winning the gold medal in the elimination rounds. Mercado Luna, despite being a newcomer to the Longbow discipline, secured a commendable fourth-place finish in qualifying with 258 points and then a bronze medal in the elimination rounds. Esteban Lemann served as the Head Judge for that event.
The upcoming tournament in Unquillo represents a significant opportunity for these athletes to build on their previous achievements and demonstrate their potential on a larger stage. The skills honed in this competition will be directly applicable to the challenges they will face at the national level. For those unfamiliar with the nuances of 3D archery, the format requires archers to navigate a course mimicking a hunting environment, shooting at life-sized animal targets at unknown distances. This demands a different skillset than traditional target archery, emphasizing quick assessment and instinctive shooting.
The Tiro Federal La Rioja team is hoping for strong results from all three competitors. The Double Tournament in Río Cuarto will be a critical event, and a strong showing in Unquillo will provide valuable momentum and confidence. The selection process for the Argentine national team is highly competitive, and every point counts.
Following the tournament in Unquillo, the archers will focus their training on preparing for the Río Cuarto event. This will involve refining their technique, building endurance, and practicing under simulated competition conditions. The ultimate goal is to represent Argentina on the international stage and showcase the growing talent within the country’s archery community.
The competition in Unquillo promises to be an exciting display of skill and precision. Fans of archery and outdoor sports will be eager to follow the progress of these talented athletes as they strive to achieve their goals. The event marks not only the start of a new season but also a significant step towards national and potentially international recognition for the archers of La Rioja.
Next up for these archers is the Double Tournament Evaluative 3D and Field in Río Cuarto on April 3rd and 4th, where they will compete for a place on the Argentine national team. Stay tuned to Nueva Rioja for updates and results.
