Zimbabwe Clinches Nine Medals, Double Gold, at AGA Archery Tournament

By Edward Makuzva

The 2025 Africa Genesis Archery (AGA) Federation World Tournament wrapped up in Walvis Bay, Namibia, after four days of intense competition, with Zimbabwe delivering one of its best performances yet, claiming nine medals along with several individual and team honors.

Leading the charge for Zimbabwe was Nyasha Chiduma, who emerged as the standout athlete in the Development division, clinching two gold medals: one for Best Female in Development 3D Individual and another for Best Female in the Combined 3D & Bull’s Eye categories.

Her exceptional performance firmly establishes her as one of Africa’s rising stars.

The Zimbabwe National Development Team put on an outstanding display, securing three bronze medals in the 3D, Bull’s Eye, and Combined 3D & Bull’s Eye team events.

This remarkable accomplishment highlights the team’s depth, strong teamwork, and the growing strength of development programs in the country.

In a statement, individual brilliance also shone through, with Ivy-Blu Nice securing a silver medal in the National 3D Individual event.

Savanna Hunter contributed significantly with two bronze medals, one in the National 3D Individual event and another in the Development Girls’ 3D Individual, highlighting her versatility and resilience.

The statement added that beyond the medal count, Zimbabwe’s impact was widely recognized.

Andrew Manning once again earned selection to the elite Africa Federation Team, which narrowly defeated Canada in an invitational match.

Manning further improved his previous ranking, finishing as the 8th-best archer overall.

Ivy-Blu Nice rejoined the prestigious Federation Team for the second time in her career, finishing at 16th overall, adding another proud moment for the nation.

“Notably, 12-year-old seventh grader Kupa Chiura was the youngest competitor at the tournament and proudly featured in Zimbabwe’s Development Team, underscoring the programme’s commitment to nurturing early talent.

“The rapid progression of the young Wiseman Makore, who only recently took up archery and hails from near Masvingo before moving to Marondera, also highlights the success of accessible and inclusive development pathways within the sport”, reads the statement.

One of the parents who travelled with the team shared their overwhelming pride: “Watching these young Zimbabwean archers compete with such determination and bring home these medals has filled us, as parents, with immense pride.”

It’s not just about the medals; it’s about the growth, resilience, and incredible talent our children are showcasing on the international stage.

This achievement truly inspires us and speaks volumes about the future of archery in Zimbabwe. We are incredibly proud of every single one of them and what they represent for our nation”, said the parent.

Zimbabwe’s performance in Walvis Bay far surpassed expectations, highlighting the steady progress of its national archery programme.

Through a strong focus on grassroots development, school-based outreach, and structured competitive training, the Africa Genesis Archery Zimbabwe (AGA ZW) federation is establishing a firm platform for long-term international success.

Since joining the AGA Federation in 2014, AGA ZW has consistently nurtured medal-winning athletes and competitive teams, demonstrating the impact of ongoing investment in coaching, athlete development, and strategic collaborations, and paving the way for future Olympians.

Zimbabwe Development Squad:Yagnik Gandalal, Christiano Uriri, Robin Rottcher, Blaise Fouche, Roxanne Landsberg, Lola Nice, Matthew Gratwicke, Shaylin Chapaner, Juliet Whitaker, Kupa Chiura, Grace Makwangudze, Nyasha Chiduma, Cindy Fang, Belinda Mupaya, Lexi Carroll, Lianna MashumbaTeam Officials:Rob Jackson (AGA FED Board), Ray Funani (Development Coach), Mike Philip (National Coach), Simon Allott (Manager), Judith Gratwicke.Final Medal Tally for Zimbabwe: • 2 Gold – Nyasha Chiduma (Development 3D Individual & Development Combined Overall Female) • 1 Silver – Ivy-Blu Nice (National 3D Individual) • 6 Bronzes – • Savanna Hunter (National 3D Individual & Development Girls’ 3D Individual) • Development Team (3D Team) • Development Team (Bull’s Eye Team) • Development Team (Combined 3D & BE Team)About Africa Genesis Archery Zimbabwe (AGA ZW):

Africa Genesis Archery Zimbabwe (AGA ZW) is an affiliate of the Zimbabwe Archery Association dedicated to developing and promoting the sport of archery across Zimbabwe.

Since its inception in 2014, AGA ZW has, under the auspices of the ZAA, focused on fostering grassroots talent, providing competitive training, and creating pathways for young archers to excel on both national and international stages.