BY JOY OFASIA
The Archery Federation of Solomon Islands team represented the country at the 2026 World Archery Oceania Target Championships in Auckland, New Zealand this month. They also joined other regional archery events, meetings and training sessions during the same trip.
The World Archery Oceania (WAO) Target Championships 2026 was held in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, New Zealand on 16-19 April 2026.
Speaking to RAW SPORTS, Georgianna Lepping from the Solomon Islands Archery Federation said the trip was important for the team.
“Taking part in this regional event is to ensure that we are active and also for our athletes to continue experience competition level in Archery,” she said.
Ms Lepping said athletes need commitment and preparation.
“Like all sport, it needs personal commitment. I hope our athletes prepare in advance in terms of finance and mentality and continue to train more to avoid shooting under pressure,” Ms Lepping said.
The Solomon Islands team included Compound Archer, Georgianna Lepping, Recurve Archer Janet Saru, Compound Archer Marissa Maisa and Barebow Archer, Margaret Melue.
Barebow Archer, Robson Talu was also supposed to compete, but visa delay meant he joined coaching course after competition.
After the tournament Ms Lepping attended World Archery Oceania congress meeting in New Zealand with federation leaders.
“Since 2022 it was good to be there in person to show that Archery Solomon Islands is active also in the decision-making space of this sport,” Ms Lepping said.
Following the event federation registered Janet Saru and Robson Talu for coaching course supported by international trainers Tim Swane and Cushla Matheson.
The coaching program helps develop local coaches and supports growth of archery in Solomon Islands.
Federation president Lionel Puhiman supports the vision and helped send athletes to New Zealand and training.
Ms Lepping said the achievement is part of commitment to grow archery across the country.
Developing local coaches will strengthen pathways and ensure long term growth for the sport.
With new clubs opening in Honiara the federation congratulated the two athletes on their achievement.
Ms Lepping said it has been more than six years since last coaching course making this important step.
She said archery is growing slowly and more young people are showing interest in the sport.
She hopes support will allow future teams to attend more competitions and training overseas.
Ms Lepping encouraged young athletes especially girls to take up archery and believe in themselves.
She said international exposure helps athletes learn improve and gain confidence for future competitions.
She said teamwork discipline and commitment will keep Solomon Islands archery moving forward.
She added success comes step by step with hard work and dedication from all athletes involved.
Robson and Janet said the coaching course gave them new skills and knowledge to bring home.
They said they will use what they learned to help develop archery in their communities.
The federation said these achievements are a milestone for archery development in Solomon Islands.
It said building local coaches will help strengthen athlete pathways and sustainable growth nationwide.
Ms Lepping said the trip showed Solomon Islands archery is active moving in the right direction.
She said the experience will help improve future performance and inspire more young athletes.
She thanked supporters’, coaches and the new federation leadership for making the trip possible.
She said development plans are coming as archery continues to grow in the country.
