SUSS Archery Takes on Singapore Archery Open 2026

From 4 to 6 September 2026, archers from the SUSS Archery Competition Group (CG) took to the field at Bukit Gombak Stadium for the Singapore Archery Open (SAO) 2026.

Representing SUSS across the recurve, compound and barebow categories, the archers competed alongside a strong international field comprising national team and Olympic-level athletes. Shooting alongside such accomplished competitors brought both pressure and excitement, while providing the team with valuable exposure to a higher level of competitive archery. Through their dedication, perseverance and commitment to their respective disciplines, the archers demonstrated the team's determination to continually push their boundaries and grow as competitors.

Recurve Team on 6 September

Compound and Barebow Team on 5 September

A Meaningful Farewell to the Shooting Line

For Chiam Jielun Jaren, a graduate of SUSS' Master of Psychology programme, SAO 2026 was particularly significant. Competing in the barebow category, which was introduced at the Singapore Archery Open this year, the competition also marked the conclusion of his three-year journey with SUSS Archery CG.

"Participating in Singapore's signature and largest outdoor archery competition was a bittersweet experience for me as I call time on my three-year athlete journey with SUSS Archery CG," Jaren reflected.

Jaren, proudly representing Barebow at this year's SAO

Balancing his roles as a student, athlete, employee and father of four young boys over the past three years has made his archery journey one rooted in discipline and purpose. As he closes this chapter, Jaren hopes that his experience will encourage his children and fellow archers to understand the importance of knowing the "why" behind what they pursue.

"For me, it is about pursuing that one passion project well. It gives me the motivation to hone my skills and get better each day, to teach my kids the importance of discipline and hard work, and to celebrate the many micro-achievements along the way. Ultimately, only we can derive that value and meaning for ourselves."

Jaren powering through every shot with determination and discipline

Holding His Ground Against International Competition

For seasoned archer Si Thu Win Htain, a Year 4 Bachelor of Accountancy student, the stronger international field presented an opportunity to test his skills against some of the competition's best.

Progressing through the individual knockout rounds, Si Thu found himself shooting one-on-one against an Australian national team archer. Rather than being overwhelmed by the calibre of his opponent, he remained focused on his own shot process and fought to keep himself in the match.

"This year's SAO skill ceiling was raised with multiple international national teams participating. I had the opportunity to go one-on-one with one of Team Australia's archers, which was definitely a meaningful experience for me as a university-level archer," Si Thu shared.

Si Thu maintaining his focus, one shot at a time

His composure carried the closely contested match all the way to a shoot-off. Although his opponent eventually prevailed, the experience was one Si Thu could take pride in for a different reason.

"In that match, I learnt to focus better on my shot process and managed to bring the match to a shoot-off. Although the other archer came out on top, I couldn't help but feel proud that I was able to go head-to-head with such a strong opponent."

The encounter offered Si Thu more than another competitive result. It gave him the opportunity to experience first-hand what it was like to hold his ground against an international-level athlete and reinforced the importance of trusting his own process under pressure.

Si Thu with an Australian team archer after an intense shoot-off

Taking a Leap Beyond the Novice Category

While Si Thu entered SAO as a seasoned competitor, Inez Ong Yi Na, a Year 4 Bachelor of Marketing student, stepped onto the field facing an entirely new challenge: her first 70-metre competition.

Having previously competed in the novice category at a distance of 30 metres, Inez made the leap to 70 metres with just one month to prepare.

"Taking part in SAO was an experience that pushed me far beyond what I thought I was capable of. Coming from the novice category, where I had only been shooting at 30 metres, I took a leap of faith and participated in SAO, shooting at 70 metres with only one month to prepare," Inez shared.

Inez staying focused on every shot in her 70m competition debut

The transition was not easy. From missing the target and breaking arrows to adjusting to a significantly higher bow poundage, Inez faced a steep learning curve while juggling training with a full-time job. Throughout the process, encouragement from her teammates helped her persevere through the uncertainty. Their technical guidance and reassurance gave her the confidence to continue training and eventually step onto the competition field.

"Thankfully, I had an amazing team whose guidance and reassurance gave me the confidence to keep going. With their support, I was able to put up a performance that surpassed my own expectations by a huge margin. I was proud of what I managed to achieve in such a short period of time, and thankful that I stepped outside of my comfort zone and gave myself the opportunity to try."

Inez alongside the teammates, supporters and team managers who cheered her on

Growing Stronger, Together

SAO 2026 presented a challenging competitive environment for the SUSS Archery CG, but it also showed that progress in sport takes many forms. From competing against international-level athletes to taking on new distances and celebrating meaningful milestones, each archer brought their own determination and commitment to the field. Beyond individual performances, the team's encouragement, technical guidance and support for one another remained an integral part of the competition experience.

As the archers continue their respective journeys, the experiences gained at SAO 2026 will serve as another step forward, both on and beyond the shooting line.

The Singapore Archery Open 2026 was a testament to the team's dedication to training and the hard work of every individual. Under the guidance of Coach Keith Teo (Recurve), Coach Erwan Zulfaqar (Compound), and Student Life Staff Mentor Vonica Lim, the team continues to build on each competition experience, strengthen its capabilities and strive towards reaching its fullest potential.