Mexico Secures First Medal at 2026 Madrid Archery World Cup

Mexico claimed its first-ever medal at the Archery World Cup in Madrid on September 15, 2026, with a silver finish in the compound women’s team event, according to official tournament records and reports from Reuters. The achievement marks a historic milestone for Mexican archery, which has yet to win a world championship medal in the sport’s elite competitions.

The silver was earned by a team of three athletes—María José Rojas, Laura Vélez, and Alejandra Mendoza—who scored 237 points in the final round, narrowly trailing the gold-medal-winning Chinese team by 12 points. The event took place at Madrid’s Palacio de Deportes, a venue known for hosting high-level international archery competitions.

“This result is a testament to the dedication of our athletes and the progress our program has made over the years,” said a statement from the Mexican Olympic Committee (COM). “We are proud of what they accomplished and look forward to building on this momentum.”

Historic Context for Mexican Archery

Mexico’s archery team has historically struggled to compete at the highest levels of the sport. Prior to the 2026 World Cup, the country had never finished in the top three at a World Archery Championship or World Cup event. The silver in Madrid represents a breakthrough, particularly in the compound category, which combines traditional recurve archery with modern technology.

The win also highlights the growth of archery in Latin America. According to the International Archery Federation (FITA), participation in the sport has increased by 22% in the region over the past decade, driven by grassroots programs and increased funding. Mexico’s success could further accelerate this trend.

Key Moments in the Final Round

The compound women’s team final featured intense competition, with Mexico and China trading leads throughout the 72-arrow match. The Mexican team maintained a consistent performance, hitting the 10-ring (the highest score) on 18 of their shots. China, meanwhile, secured three 10s in the final set, securing the victory.

“We gave it our all, but China was just a bit stronger in the final moments,” said Rojas, the team’s top scorer. “We’re disappointed not to take gold, but this silver is a huge step forward for our country.”

Implications for Mexico’s Archery Program

The medal is expected to boost funding and visibility for Mexico’s archery program. The COM has pledged to invest in new training facilities and equipment, with plans to expand the national team by 2028. The success in Madrid also qualifies Mexico for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where the team will aim to build on their momentum.

“This is just the beginning,” said José Luis Ramírez, Mexico’s head coach. “We’ve proven we can compete with the best. Now, we need to focus on consistency and preparation for the next stages.”

What’s Next for the Mexican Team

The Mexican archery team will compete in the next World Cup event in August 2027 in Incheon, South Korea. They will also participate in the Pan American Archery Championships in October 2027, where they aim to secure additional medals and qualify for the 2028 Olympics.

For now, the team is celebrating their historic achievement. “This medal belongs to every archer who has ever represented Mexico,” said Mendoza. “We’re not done yet.”

Next Checkpoint: The Mexican team’s next major competition is the 2027 Pan American Archery Championships in Mexico City, scheduled for October 12–18, 2027.

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