Archery Delegations from 105 Countries Gather in Gwangju

An International Diplomatic Stage Blending Culture and Sports
World Archery Federation General Assembly Held at Kim Daejung Convention Center, September 2-3
Showcasing Cultural Heritage and Civic Engagement Through Traditional Performances and Volunteer Participation

The World Archery Federation General Assembly opened on the 2nd at the Kim Daejung Convention Center in Gwangju, with archery delegations from 105 countries around the world in attendance. Photo by Gwangju City

Archery delegations from 105 countries have gathered in Gwangju, creating an international diplomatic stage where culture and sports come together.

On September 2, the city of Gwangju opened the main session of the '2025 World Archery Federation General Assembly' at the Kim Daejung Convention Center. The opening ceremony was attended by Mayor Kang Gijung, World Archery Federation President Ugur Erdener, Senior Vice President Joerg Brokamp, Secretary General Tom Dielen, and over 200 other delegates.

The General Assembly, which began with a board meeting on September 1, will continue until September 3. On the final day, the next executive board of the World Archery Federation will be elected. The assembly will address key issues in the archery world, including international athlete and team qualification regulations, election of executives, referee organization procedures, and the proposal of ethics and code of conduct legislation.

The city made thorough preparations across five key areas-venue, accommodation, transportation, cultural performances, and volunteer services-to ensure the successful hosting of the World Archery Federation General Assembly. The official schedule began in earnest on August 29, when President Ugur Erdener and other key figures arrived in Korea.

In particular, the city is focusing not only on sports diplomacy but also on promoting regional cultural content through this assembly. At the opening ceremony, the Gwangju Municipal Changgeuk Company performed a traditional show, and at the opening show of the World Archery Championships on September 3, titled "Land of the Bow," Gwangju's cultural strengths will be showcased to the world through events such as the Gossaumnori (traditional rope-pulling game) and Nongakpae (farmers' band) parade.

Students from Honam University RISE Project Group and volunteers from the Gwangju Volunteer Center participated in the event operations, assisting with registration, language interpretation, guidance, and various other guest services.

In his welcoming speech, Mayor Kang Gijung stated, "Gwangju is a city of archery, with a tradition dating back to the ancient Mahan bow culture, and has produced world-class athletes. It is also a city that has successfully hosted international events such as the Summer Universiade and the World Aquatics Championships. We will do our utmost to spread a message of peace to the world and make Gwangju a place of global peace and celebration until the end of this assembly and the World Archery Championships."

Meanwhile, the city plans to further strengthen its close cooperation with the World Archery Federation through this assembly and devote all efforts to preparing for the 2025 World Archery Championships.