Turkish Traditional Archery Team Targets Podium in South Korea

The 2026 World Traditional Archery Championship, organized by the World Traditional Archery Federation, will be held in Ulsan, South Korea, from October 30 to November 4. Around 700 athletes from 38 countries will take part.

Turkey's preparations are underway at the Okmeydanı Archers Foundation Facilities in Istanbul. Athletes Ayşegül Demirbağ Çalışkan, Fatih Çetin and Havvanur Uzun answered questions from an Anadolu Agency reporter. Çalışkan said that on some days they shoot arrows from 9 a.m. until evening. Noting that training continues as long as weather conditions are suitable, the athlete emphasized that a first-place podium finish is the biggest goal.

Çalışkan, 44, one of the team's most experienced athletes, said she listens to the Quran to focus. She said this method relaxes her mind and helps her concentrate on the competition.

Fatih Çetin, one of the newer athletes, said he discovered archery about a year ago. The 33-year-old archer, who has already reached the podium at major competitions in a short time, said he feels comfortable in competitions and, like his family, aims to see the flag raised.

Havvanur Uzun, 19, said the team wants to sweep the podium and that they are aiming for both team and individual placings.