Medellin, Colombia, has been selected as the host city for the 2027 World Archery Championships, marking the first time this premier international archery event will be held in South America. This decision, announced during World Archery’s executive board meeting in Antalya, Turkey, emphasizes archery’s status as a truly global sport and acknowledges South America’s growing presence in the sport.
Medellin was chosen over bids from Nyborg, Denmark, and Wroclaw, Poland, while a bid from Antalya was withdrawn prior to the decision. Medellin’s bid centered on the Rionegro region, known for its proximity to the airport and plans for a large combination venue with enhanced arena scheduling.
Medellin’s involvement in international archery dates back to 2013, when it first hosted a stage of the Hyundai Archery World Cup. Since then, it has been a recurring location in the World Cup circuit and is set to host the Pan American Championships in 2024. The 2027 championships in Medellin will see Colombia join the United States and Mexico as the only countries in the Americas to have hosted the event.
In addition to selecting championship hosts, the World Archery executive board formed a working group to study future tournament formats, sustainability, and financial viability, aligning with the organization’s strategic plan. The board also reaffirmed its commitment to keeping archery independent from politics, following discussions at the recent Olympic Summit.
The meeting included other significant decisions, such as issuing warnings to member associations in Chad, Guinea, and Uzbekistan, prohibiting their participation in international competitions until they regain good standing. Nigeria may face a similar restriction if its situation does not improve by April 1, 2024. Additionally, the Kuwait federation was removed from the list of members at risk of expulsion in 2024, having successfully fulfilled an action plan approved earlier.
The announcement of Medellin as the 2027 World Archery Championships host is a milestone in archery’s expansion and reflects the sport’s growing global reach. The city’s rich history with the sport and its commitment to developing a suitable venue for the championships were key factors in its selection. This event is set to act as a primary qualifier for the LA28 Olympics, further highlighting its significance in the world of archery.
