“I came to the African Championships in Oran in 2026 with a single goal: to win the gold medal, and that’s exactly what happened.”
Falang Delli easily took the prize for the most assured performance of the week; as he took the barebow men‘s title, age just 20, at his first major tournament, surfing a wave of absolute confidence.
“I faced athletes – archers – who were top-tier. They were strong, yes, I competed against them, but I didn’t give up, just as a lion always says. A lion isn’t afraid. I fought until the very end. Now I’ve had my country’s flag raised and its national anthem played on the international stage. It really brings me joy,” he said.
Delli also opened up about a frequent issue facing African archers. “We’re short on equipment, especially. Since we’re in Africa, there aren’t many stores that sell archery equipment. We have to order from Europe. And to order, you need money. It’s a bit complicated. But it’s okay – we’re looking for solutions and pushing forward. If we want to become champions, we have to make sacrifices.”
Delli‘s next target is 2027 African Games, which will be held in Egypt. “Inshallah, I’ll be there. My goal now will be to win it just like I did at the African Championships.”
