The Kenya Archery Sports Organisation is keen on sending archers to next year’s African Championship/ Paris Olympic Games, president Shehzana Anwar has said.
Anwar, who finds passion in coaching archery beginners, said they are also hopeful of gracing several other events as they seek to build experience and confidence among their players.
“There are numerous international events lined up between now and next year. If our training goes well and we get funding, we hope to attend as many as possible. However, our most important event will be next year’s African Championships,” Anwar said.
The date and venue for the African Championships are yet to be decided.
Individually, Anwar is keen on a slot in Team Kenya to Paris to add onto her debut at the Rio Games in 2016, where she was the country’s sole representative in the discipline.
“I am absolutely eyeing a slot at the Paris Olympics. This will be a dream come true,” she said.
At the just concluded African Archery Championships in Pretoria, Kenya bagged a silver medal in the Women’s Recurve Team. Anwar said the championships was an eye opener since it helped her identified some of her mistakes.
“During the gold medal match, I could not focus well because of the outside noise and that cost me. I just realised I have to work on my mental game and always practice good sportsmanship. Learning the techniques as a team on how to play well is also paramount,” she said.
Anwar revealed that lack of funds and access to training facilities have been their major challenge.
“Our major challenge is funding. We also lack access to affordable training equipment. However, we are working on both and hope for the best,” Anwar said.
Anwar, the daughter of veteran rally driver Azar Anwar, strongly believes she has a bright future ahead despite the minor hitches, with an eye on coaching. BY THE STAR