Norhisyam (third from left) placing his shot on a short-distance 3D target at the LMA range in Tumpat, Kelantan.
THE tranquil enclave of Tumpat in Kelantan was a focal point for over 50 archers from across the nation setting their sights on the “champion” title in the Bow Rush 3D tournament.
The event, hosted at the LMA archery range in Pantai Seri Tujuh, bore witness to the participation of Traditional, Compound, and Barebow archers.
The initiator, Azizi Che Hamid, said the competition was the country’s inaugural.
Its unique structure grants each archer a solitary arrow to target a 3D target strategically positioned at the range.
An archer sighting in on a target at the 3D course.
Regardless of success or failure, each archer amasses a score, and post-tallying, the top five highest-scoring participants engage in a riveting showdown.
Throughout the course, 24 animal targets are distributed at varying distances.
The archers are categorised into their respective classes for the competition.
They individually select targets and release three rounds of shots before scores are tabulated and rounded.
Azizi avows that the event has gained substantial momentum and attracted several sponsors, notably SRT Targets from Italy, which furnished a collection of customised 3D targets as prizes.
“We are fortunate to boast international brand backing, alongside contributions from numerous local entities,” Azizi acknowledged.
The tournament caught nationwide attention during its inaugural years, particularly during the Covid-19 lockdown, when the second 3D shoot was arranged upon the relaxation of movement restrictions.
Archers, yearning for interstate travel, found the tournament to be the only one of its kind in Kelantan.
Norhisyam Ismail, a local favourite and prominent figure in the barebow division, affirmed his unwavering presence at Azizi’s range for every event.
The teacher from Pasir Mas, a premier barebow archer in the country, was joined by his peers from Kota Baru for the event.
“While the course’s appearance might deceive with its apparent simplicity, the fluctuating distances pose a challenge. Precision is key to securing high points,” said Norhisyam.
He said the most demanding 3D targets are those portraying small animals with slender bodies.
“Despite their proximity, hitting these targets is challenging.”
Jalal Busri, a traditional archer from Selangor, commended the bow rush tournament as one of the country’s meticulously arranged 3D competitions.
“Some traditional archers labour intensively to prepare for this event, yet stage fright sometimes thwarts their marksmanship.”
A judge in the compound bow section recording a score secured by an archer after hitting a 3D rabbit.
Jalal, an adept archer in the barebow and compound categories, contends that, despite the performance pressure, 3D competitions offer therapy.
“Experience gleaned from other 3D events across the country equips participants for the shooting line, fostering a more relaxed stance.”
Before the two-day Bow Rush 3.0 event unfolded, participants received a briefing on the game’s structure and scoring procedures.
They then engage in three rounds of shooting and are grouped accordingly.
The top five performers from the groups advance to the next day’s final.
Injecting an extra dose of excitement is the “death hole”, a distinctive challenge held at the Pantai Tujuh range.
Archers are tasked with threading an arrow through a metal plate, where a minute aperture permits projectile passage.
Those daring enough can attempt this extraordinary feat to vie for enticing prizes.Beyond the bow rush, Azizi, the organiser, underscored the annual Kelantan Archery Festival.
The grand event draws regional archers, with participants hailing from Thailand, Singapore and Brunei.
The event is a testament to the unity of archers and the allure of precise marksmanship, attracting local and international attention.
