Pick up a bow and see where it leads you
View(s):By Vinuri Gunaratne
Bullseye.
A sport that combines tranquility with challenge, archery’s appeal has steadily grown in Sri Lanka. In addition to being a relaxing activity, the steadfast popularity of archery can be accredited to its accessibility.
Fostering a sense of community: Young archFostering a sense of community: Young archers at Colombo Archery Centre. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumaraers at Colombo Archery Centre. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
“The sky’s the limit!” Colombo Archery Centre’s head coach Samantha Rajapaksa says highlighting the boundless potential for enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.
Although he was always drawn to the sport, it wasn’t until he moved to the US that he could pursue it, given the lack of archery resources in Sri Lanka at the time. But times have changed and now the country boasts many archery schools such as the Colombo Archery Centre, where archery enthusiasts can thrive.
“The sense of community among archers fosters a supportive environment where we can learn, grow, and share our passion for the sport,” Sinuri Sesanya, a long-time student of the centre states.
Contrary to popular belief, archery is relatively affordable to start, with most centres offering introductory classes with the essential equipment needed to get started. Without the pressure of any upfront costs and the added option to tailor equipment to fit individual strengths, new archers can ease into the sport at their own pace. “It’s a sport that can be taken up by anybody, from a seven-year-old to a 70-year-old,” Samantha says, noting that the initial skillset to play the sport can be easily adopted. Even after purchasing your own bow, with proper maintenance, personal equipment can last an archer for years.
Samantha Rajapaksa
Even if you are not training professionally, there are still benefits for recreational archers. Drawing a bow, for instance, requires energy from the shoulder, back, chest, and arm. Repeated shooting strengthens those muscles, developing them and improving endurance. While upper body strength is critical for archery, so is lower body strength. Strong lower body muscles, specifically in the legs and core, help maintain balance while drawing the bow. In addition, proper posture and alignment are crucial for archers to maintain a steady stance for prolonged periods, an essential quality for consistent shooting.
An essential aspect of training is concentration, and blocking any distractions is key, from others’ talking to even gusts of wind. The ability to focus can carry onto your life outside of the range, serving very useful in high-pressure environments.
Building the concentration required for archery can be particularly challenging for younger archers who may struggle to understand the nuances of alignment, distance and timing. The repetitive nature of archery, where each shot requires consistent effort and focus, can also be mentally taxing.
Laila Sulaiman, an experienced archer reflects, “It’s very easy to get discouraged in any sport, but especially in one where your movements have to be precise to the millimetre if you want to hit the target.” The ability to remain calm and controlled while taking aim is crucial. “The game is more a test of mental ability than of physical prowess,” Samantha notes.
While some may struggle with the mental aspects of archery, the challenges could be motivating. Laila says, “As a kid, I was so inspired seeing the elite archers, and now that I’ve become one of them, I’m constantly motivated to shoot better for the younger kids.”
This sense of personal growth is amplified through the strong community within the sport. The close network of fellow archers provides encouragement, fuelling each individual’s dedication and passion. Says Meher Ashique, a seasoned archer, “The community is a place where friends can be made very easily no matter the experience you have in the sport and everyone supports each other in their own way.”
As you attend your first session, you’ll discover archery is more than merely shooting at a target, it is also about embracing patience and focus. Whether you’re looking for a new challenge to conquer or just a peaceful stress reliever, archery is the perfect sport to take on your journey of personal growth.
So, why not pick up a bow and discover where it leads you? The only limit is how far you’re willing to aim.
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