Chairman NG Ser Miang praises spirit of archery’s mixed team event

Archery's mixed team format has been hailed as a huge success. Ng Ser Miang, chairman of the Singapore Youth Olympic Games organising committee, said the format in which archers from different countries team up to compete together epitomised the spirit of the Games.    "It has been a really special day," said NG. "The competition has been very interesting to watch and the format of nations joining together was certainly in the spirit of the Youth Olympic Games."   Italy's Gloria FILIPPI and Anton KAROUKIN (BLR) overcame Zoi PARASKEVOPOULOU (GRE) and Gregor RAJH (SLO) in the gold medal match, while Singapore's Abdud DAYYAN secured the bronze medal alongside partner Bengunhan Elif UNSAL (TUR) - a result that delighted NG.   "Of course I am very pleased that Singapore won the bronze medal along with Turkey. It was such an exciting finish, for him (Abdud DAYYAN) to win it with a 10 on the last arrow. I am very happy for them.”   "Archery is not a sport Singapore is very strong at so hopefully this result today will give us the impetus for further development."   Coaches were also impressed with the mixed team format as it gave archers a chance to build lasting friendships.   "Some have met before but a lot of them haven't," said Australia coach Peter FEENY. "But after this they will have friends for life. This is what the Youth Olympic Games is all about."   Many of the archers revealed how much they liked being paired with competitors from other nations.   "It was fascinating," said Yasaman SHIRIAN (IRI). "It didn't matter whether you came first or last because you were enjoying being with another person. The best part is making good friends with people from other countries."   Singapore's Vanessa LOH agreed. "I think it was a very good way of doing the competition," she said. "It was friendly and without a tense atmosphere."   YONS ap/rm Edited by World Archery Communication