More than 300 archers descended on the rugged Rembau countryside in Negri Sembilan recently for the highly anticipated 2024 Malaysian 3D Archery Challenge (M3DAC24).
This year’s event drew a record number of traditional archers eager to test their skills in the great outdoors.
Archers making their way to the 3D course.
Organiser Baharuddin Mohd Ali explained that participation had to be capped at 300 to ensure safety and smooth running.
“Interest in the 3D event continues to grow each year,” he said. “It’s a highlight of the archery calendar.”
To add to the excitement, a lucky archer won a new 3D target worth RM7,000, courtesy of the event sponsors.
A Barebow archer taking aim at a target as another watches on.
Participants tackled a challenging course featuring 20 checkpoints divided into two zones.
Navigating the terrain clockwise, archers aimed at 3D targets placed at unmarked distances of up to 45m. The added challenge of varying target elevations demanded precision and skill.
“We have a mix of abilities here,” said Baharuddin. “The more experienced archers are always happy to share their knowledge with newcomers, especially when it comes to judging distance.”
A 3D target resembling a Puma placed next to a riverbank.
This camaraderie enhanced the competitive spirit of the event.
At each checkpoint, archers took turns to shoot three arrows. Scores were tallied and verified by group leaders before being signed off.
Once the first 10 checkpoints were complete, the process was repeated for the second zone.
Archers retrieving arrows stuck in 3D targets.
The Barebow division was fiercely contested, with teams from Kuala Lumpur City Hall and Ampang Jaya Town Council battling it out.
Zubir Mahadirasat and Azmal Aspari Anwar from the KL City Hall team claimed the top spots with scores of 390 and 372 points respectively.
Tournament favourite Sheikh Hassan Sheikh Hussin from Pahang secured third place with 370 points, fresh from his victory at an international 3D tournament in Indonesia.
Sheikh Hassan having breakfast before the challenge.
Reflecting on his performance, Sheikh Hassan, a veteran of Baharuddin’s 3D challenges, said: “I had a good run but missed a few arrows at some of the trickier checkpoints. It was a fantastic experience.”
The M3DAC24 is one of several 3D archery events organised by Baharuddin. Later in the year, archers can look forward to the even tougher 3D Extreme Challenge.
As the sun set over the picturesque Rembau landscape, the 2024 Malaysian 3D Archery Challenge drew to a close.
With tales of adventure shared and new challenges eagerly anticipated, the archery community is looking forward to the next event.
