Archery, often considered a niche sport in Suriname, is steadily gaining recognition thanks to a recent open day event organized by TNF Archery, DWL Archery Club Suriname, and KFC Suriname. Held at the Witte Lotus, the event aimed to introduce the public to the basics of archery, including fundamental techniques, different types of bows, and the sheer joy of hitting a target. Participants, ranging from curious beginners to potential enthusiasts, were guided through the process with instructions like “Elbow up for more power. Pull. Aim. Hold. Release!” The targets were set at a modest five meters to ensure accessibility and encourage participation. One young participant, visibly thrilled after hitting the bullseye, celebrated with a spontaneous dance, exclaiming, “Right in the center!” Niradj Hanuman of TNF Archery emphasized the event’s goal: “We want to raise awareness about archery. It’s still a niche sport here, but we hope to change that by showing people how fun and rewarding it can be.” Hanuman also highlighted the sport’s global significance, noting that target archery is an Olympic discipline, while hunting archery remains popular in certain regions. Currently, TNF and DWL are the only archery clubs in Suriname, but efforts are underway to establish a national federation in collaboration with the Surinamese Olympic Committee to further develop the sport.
