Preview: Qualifying event in San Salvador marks the start of LA ambitions for central Americas

The tropical climes of El Salvador in May will see 132 archers from across the region gather for the San Salvador 2026 Grand Prix of the Americas.

As well as national teams, this competition includes some entries from clubs in El Salvador and Mexico, and larger teams from the Dominican Republic, Panama and Guatemala, along with a handful of entries from lesser-spotted archery nations including Curacao, Bermuda, Martinique and the British Virgin Islands. 

The big draw for most archers is qualification spots for the the Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC Games), the oldest regional multi-sport competition in existence. 

Held every four years, traditionally at the midpoint of the Summer Olympic cycle, the event includes competitors from 32 nations across Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and northern South America.

The upcoming 25th edition in July and August in Santo Domingo is set to be a historic celebration, marking an astonishing 100 years since the games first began. It's the third time the Games have been held in the Dominican Republic.

San Salvador is the second qualifier for the CAC Games, which in turn becomes a qualifier for the 2027 Pan-American Games in Lima, which will be a qualifier for the LA28 Olympic Games.

Perhaps the best known athlete taking the field is hometown hero Roberto Hernandez, El Salvador’s most decorated compound archer, who has previously stated his Olympic ambitions.