More than a year ago, Archery Guyana reported on two members, Devin Persaud Permaul and Wayne De Abreu, who had been participating in the Olympic Qualification process. Then, unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic hit globally.
Right now, however, in the world of Archery, there is some glimmer of hope as things return to a new ‘normalcy”, and Guyana is once again back on track to seek to secure spots for Archery in the Tokyo Games.
This week, in Monterrey, Mexico, 20 countries sent representatives to shoot at the Pan American Championships under strict pandemic regulations set out by World Archery and the local health authorities.
Devin Permaul eyeing his target
And present there in Monterrey, Mexico is Guyana’s very own Devin Permaul, flying the Golden Arrowhead amidst fierce competition for the quota places.
There are, in these Pan American Championships, three quota places which are reserved for countries in the Americas, and those can be won only by countries who have not already secured a place. Each nation can collect a maximum of only one quota place per gender in Monterrey, Mexico.
After these continental championships, there is only one last qualification tournament, which will take place in Paris in June. It will be open to all countries. However, with travel plans uncertain and the global pandemic still of great concern, this competition in Monterrey might be the last chance for some of the athletes – and especially for Guyana – to qualify for the Games. The pressure on our Archer and countryman is high, and the battle for these quota places will be intense.
The Board of Directors of Archery Guyana are extending best wishes to Devin Permaul, and are urging all of Guyana to rally around him and send positive energy across the miles for Guyana’s sake.
