At just 23 years old, she was African champion. “I’m very happy that I’m making my parents proud of me, making Algeria proud of me. I still cannot describe how happy I am.”
It was a group effort. “My teammates are the best part; there is cohesion, cooperation, and mutual support among us and, above all, positive energy.”
“On the eve of the event, I vowed to give it my all and to crown years of hardship and struggle with this medal, and thank God, He granted me success.”
The story didn’t start there. With the African Championships at home on the horizon, Algerian archery coach Djaafer Serir decided to build a barebow team from scratch. He had just four months. It required absolute commitment from a set of recurve archers.
“The history of barebow archery in Algeria is very recent; it began in early 2026 with archers who previously shot recurve, specifically with the goal of the African Championship held here in Oran,” he said.
Barebow is, however, gradually gaining traction in north Africa, as it is in a handful of nations across Africa. “I am thinking of southern and central Africa, as there is a tendency there to view archery as more than just a sport, often involving hunting.”
“For the athletes, I just told them: “since this is your first African championship, you will bring honour to yourselves, your loved ones, your families, and your country; and above all, don’t forget to enjoy yourselves when you are on the shooting line,” said Serir.
