| Achong Tanjong |
OVER 2,500 have participated in activities conducted by Ar-Rafi Archery, its Chairman Pengiran Haji Radno bin Pengiran Haji Mohd Tahir said.
He made these comments at a ceremony to launch the Ar- Rafi Indoor Archery Academy building in Kampong Jangsak, Gadong yesterday.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin was present.
Upon arrival at the Ar-Rafi Indoor Archery Academy, the minister was welcomed by Pengiran Haji Radno and staff.
The minister also viewed the photo display displaying the history and activities of the club followed by the launching of the new building.
Pengiran Haji Radno said Ar-Rafi Archery, one of the first traditional archery clubs in Brunei officially launched on September 8, 2017, is located at the Royal Brunei Recreation Club and Liang Lumut Recreational Club (LLRC) in the Belait District.
He said the club has 18 committee members, six management staff and 15 coaches.
“Several activities are conducted by Ar-Rafi Archery focusses on training, culture, games and academic among others,” Pengiran Haji Radno said.
He said Ar-Rafi Archery members have attended activities conducted locally and abroad.
The club has attracted youth keen to know more about archery.
“Nearly 300 attended the Introduction to Archery (IA), Basic Course Level 1, and Level 2 in the two districts,” Pengiran Haji Radno said. He hoped that with the support and cooperation from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and other related ministries, the club will be able to produce more archery athletes in the future.
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali, Charge d’ Affaires of the Malaysian High Commission in Brunei Darussalam Rafedah binti Haji Abdul Aziz and officers from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports were also present.
The club aims to expand from traditional archery to modern archery in Brunei and promote and enhance the sport to the international arena.