Archery Association of
Malta marks a strong presence at world-ranking event in Kamnik
The Archery Association
of Malta proudly took part in the 2025 edition of the International Veronica’s
Cup, held between the 22nd and 25th of May in Kamnik, Slovenia — a globally
recognized World Ranking Event that contributes to athletes’ international
rankings. This high-calibre event annually attracts elite Compound and Recurve
archers from around the world and serves as a critical benchmark for emerging
and established talent on the global archery scene.
The Maltese national team
consisted of three male Compound bow archers — Jeremy Bartolo, Daniel Schembri,
and Brian Micallef — as well as female Compound archer Michelle Abela, under
the guidance of National Coach John Schembri. This participation marked yet
another important step in the Archery Association of Malta's ongoing commitment
to promoting Maltese archers at the highest level of international competition.
The competition unfolded
under variable spring weather, with archers facing shifting winds, occasional
rain, and cool temperatures that tested not only their technical skill but also
their mental fortitude. Despite the demanding conditions, the Maltese archers
showed resilience and determination throughout the event.
In the qualification
round, where archers shoot 72 arrows to earn a seeding for match play, Jeremy
Bartolo placed 53rd with 670 points, followed by Daniel Schembri in
58th place with 656 points and Brian Micallef in 59th place with 651 points, among a field of 65
top-tier male international competitors. The ranking round, which reflects
overall performance in match play and eliminations, saw Bartolo (141 and 137
points) and Micallef (132 and 131
points) both finish in 33rd place, while Schembri (137 points) placed 57th,
reflecting steady progress and growth at international level.
In the women’s Compound
category, Michelle Abela delivered a strong performance, finishing 28th
with 636 points in the qualification round, before climbing to 17th
place with 136 points in the ranking round, out of 34 international female
athletes.
Malta also competed in
the Compound Men Team event, with Bartolo, Schembri, and Micallef joining
forces to finish in 9th place with 212 points out of 11 national teams,
showcasing strong coordination and consistent shooting against fierce
international competition. In the Mixed Team event,
Jeremy Bartolo and Michelle Abela represented Malta, finishing 9th overall with
145 points from 12 competing international teams. Their teamwork and
complementary shooting added to Malta's growing presence on the world archery
map.
Participation in a
world-ranking event like the Veronica’s Cup is no small feat. The Maltese
archers invested countless hours in personal training and preparation, often
balancing demanding schedules to pursue their athletic goals. Their results
reaffirm the Archery Association of Malta’s vision of developing world-class
talent and fostering a strong international presence for Maltese athletes.
The Archery Association
continues to pave the way for increased participation in such events, helping
athletes gain valuable experience and exposure. This aligns with the broader
aim of securing archery as a rising and respected sport in the Maltese Islands.
For those interested in
learning more about Maltese archers or in joining archery training courses, the
public is encouraged to contact the Archery Association of Malta on
info@archery.org.mt.
