Archery Championship: the Moka Rangers target October 30th

MRSC archers of all ages therefore meet twice a week to practice this demanding, silent and quasi-meditative sport with the endgame of preparing this crucial step of annual national selection that could potentially open them up to great sports career opportunities.

“ I’m glad to notice that our students are serious and motivated about this event. They never miss practice, which is particularly important in archery. Given that it’s a potentially dangerous game, it can only be practiced in a regulated and secure field. As such, although comradery and team spirit are very strong in our team, everyone focuses once they get on the shooting range… So I can’t wait to see them bring their game!”, says Ian Subramanien, one of the founders of this MRSC branch, now Administrative Director.

International standards guide their practice

Rigor, precision, calm and poise are non-negotiable for these eagle-eyed sportspersons… Especially because they follow the Olympic-style discipline of  recurve archery. The name of this archery style comes from its bow with a visor and flexible ends which give more extension as the archer draws, and more power and speed to the arrow – essential marking criteria to get a good score, on top of hitting the mark. Technical Director and World Archery Coach Level 1-licensed Zeeyad Oozeerally coaches the academy’s 35 students according to the World Archery Guidelines, assisted by Coach Didier Ng to get them in shape for this selection.

Great rewards for the selection

Such dedication will be handsomely rewarded. Every year, the hours put into their practice reward the select few archers with high-level training opportunities, for example at Lausanne Excellence Centre. The cream of the crop, who manage to maintain high performance levels throughout the year, will also represent the island in regional and international competitions. “Much like Ryan Chan and Henry How, who will represent Mauritius in Pretoria in November. Our archers will, nonetheless, need to keep up their performance as they are reevaluated every trimester… A good incentive to keep them on their toes”, points out Ian Subramanien on an encouraging note.

Who are the contestants?

With intensive practice freshly kicked off, students of categories U15, U18, U21, Woman and Man, aged 14 to 49 are hard at work as they try to perfecting themselves, before confirming their participation a week before the competition.  

” On October 30th, we are hosting the entire MFTA on our playing field. I invite all of our friends from Synergie and the residents of Moka to come cheer us on for this pivotal event of our yearly calendar” , he concludes. Come discover the passion that animates our archers and show the legendary solidarity of the people of Moka.