Italian Para Archery Team Arrives in Nove Mesto for World Archery Para Series
The Italian Para archery team, known as the AZZURRI, has arrived in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic, to compete in the World Archery Para Series, which begins on October 25, 2023, according to a statement from the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP). The event, organized by World Archery, will feature athletes from over 30 nations competing in a series of qualification rounds for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
The Italian delegation includes 12 athletes across multiple classifications, including recurve and compound categories. Among them is 2022 World Championship bronze medalist Alessia Scaringi, who will compete in the women’s recurve open division. Scaringi, 28, has been training at the Italian National Training Center in Rome since March 2023, according to a CIP press release.
What’s at Stake for the Italian Team?
The World Archery Para Series serves as a critical preparatory event for the 2024 Paris Paralympics, with the top performers earning direct qualification spots. The Italian team’s participation follows a strong showing at the 2022 World Para Archery Championships, where they secured two medals, including Scaringi’s bronze in the women’s recurve open category.
“This series is crucial for our athletes to fine-tune their skills under competitive conditions,” said CIP President Gianna Nannini in a press conference. “It also allows us to assess our readiness for the Paralympics, where we aim to match or exceed our previous performance.”
Key Athletes and Their Path to Paris
The Italian squad includes veterans and newcomers, with a focus on balancing experience with emerging talent. Among the standouts is Marco Bocci, a 34-year-old compound archer who won silver at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. Bocci, who has been rehabilitating from a knee injury since 2022, will compete in the men’s compound open division.
“Marco’s return is a significant boost for the team,” said head coach Luca Moretti. “His experience in high-pressure environments will be invaluable, especially for younger athletes like Elena Ricci, who is making her international debut.” Ricci, 21, is set to compete in the women’s recurve open category, having won the 2023 Italian Para Archery Championship in May.
Competition Format and Rules
The World Archery Para Series follows a structured format, with athletes competing in a series of rounds to accumulate points. The event in Nove Mesto will include individual and team competitions across six classifications: recurve men’s and women’s open, recurve men’s and women’s seated, compound men’s and women’s open. Points earned here contribute to the World Ranking, which determines Paralympic qualification.
World Archery’s Chief Technical Officer, Sarah Mitchell, emphasized the importance of the series. “The Para Series provides a platform for athletes to test their equipment and strategies against global competitors,” she said. “It’s a vital step in ensuring the integrity and fairness of the qualification process.”
How to Follow the Action
Live updates and results will be available on the World Archery website, with broadcasts on the official Paralympic Channel. Social media platforms will also feature real-time highlights, including the official
