Malawian athlete Arenao David on Sunday won a gold medal in 70 metres (m) contest at Archery Open Championship in Lausanne, Switzerland after beating 39 other archers.
The athlete, who is on an International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Olympic Solidarity training scholarship in Switzerland, said in an interview that he was impressed with his performance in the international competition.
“I am happy because I competed with experienced athletes. I am hoping that I will also qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games just as I did in Rio Olympic Games in 2016,” he said.
Malawi Olympic Committee (MOC) spokesperson Kythrina Phiri said in an interview yesterday the competition was part of preparations for 2019 Morocco All Africa and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan.
Archery Association of Malawi president Henry Sakala applauded the athlete for his performance.
“It’s good that he is doing fine in every competition. In fact this game was one of a series of preparatory games which the centre organised in Switzerland where he is training.
“So let’s wish him and other archers well as they prepare for Olympic Games in 2020,” he said.
Before the 2016 Olympic Games, Malawi had never produced a qualified athlete for the international games, including Olympic Games.
Malawi had been represented at the Games on solidarity through athletics, boxing and swimming.
Judo athletes are also in the run to qualify for Olympic Games.
