Uganda wins gold in para-archery as Asiimwe makes history in Algeria

What the report says

The Observer reported that Uganda earned its first gold medal at the African Archery Championships after para archer Precious Allan Asiimwe won the men’s Para Recurve title at the 15th edition of the event in Oran, Algeria. The result makes Asiimwe Uganda’s first African archery champion and a significant achievement for the country’s developing para-sport programme.

According to the report, Asiimwe beat Algeria’s Izri Abdelkader, listed as world number 29, in a closely contested final that went to a shoot-off. Asiimwe prevailed in the deciding sixth set, scoring nine against Abdelkader’s seven, and secured the title in his first appearance at the continental championships. The Observer said the Ugandan athlete had taken up archery only a little over a year ago, making the victory a rapid rise at continental level.

After the win, Asiimwe credited God, his coaches, teammates and supporters, and said he hoped the medal would encourage more persons with disabilities to try archery and aim for elite competition. Uganda Archery vice president Sula Blick described the performance as a landmark debut and a proud moment for the country.

The Observer reported that the championships ran from July 20 to 26 under World Archery, drawing 180 athletes and officials from 16 countries. Uganda’s team included Asiimwe and Bashir Mutyaba in Para Recurve, Shiloh Kamukama Ayebare in Under-18 Recurve, coach Aisha Namukwaya, team manager Sula Blick and manager-parent representative Lillian Muhangi.