Local archers take aim at world titles in South Dakota

For Djukic, qualifying is the latest step in a journey that began nearly two decades ago. He first picked up archery in 2008 as an avid hunter, before joining the Battle River Archers with his son in 2021. Since then, the sport has become a family affair, with his entire family involved and cheering him on at competitions across the country.

“I’ve been through a couple world championships, shot multiple national championships and some other international competitions a few times. So, nerves are set aside … I feel prepared, I put my time in, I feel good,” he said.

Djukic said the Battle River Archers’ new outdoor range has also played a role in helping the local athletes prepare, giving them more opportunities to practise on challenging targets and in 3D shooting.

“It’s pretty challenging, I would say, here for Saskatchewan. I would say that’s the most challenging course, which helped us to prepare to go to the worlds.”

He also travelled to South Dakota with his family this summer to get a firsthand look at the range where he will compete.

“Myself and my family, we drove down to Yankton and I wanted to see actually and shoot the courses. So I have an idea what kind of angles, what kind of terrain it is and to better prepare,” said Djukic.

During the trip, they competed in two events, one 3D competition and one field competition. Djukic won gold in 3D and silver in field at the U.S. national championship, while his son came away with two gold medals.

Now, with the world championships just days away, Djukic and the other Battle River Archers will take what they have learned at home and put it to the test against some of the best archers in the world.

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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com

by Alyssa Rudolph

Local archers take aim at world titles in South Dakota

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