Italian Archers: Passion for History
Stefano Dell’Orbo and Federico Raffa, two dedicated archers from Italy, have embarked on an exciting journey to Kazakhstan for their first World Nomad Games. Their profound love for history served as a catalyst for their archery pursuits. “I started archery seven years ago out of curiosity,” shared Stefano. Federico, inspired by his friend Nando, the president of their sports association, began his archery journey eight years ago.
In Italy, their archery practice predominantly occurs in lush woods and historical venues. However, the allure of nomadic-style archery has captivated their interest. “We cherish the challenge of shooting long distances, and we aspire to introduce more of this nomadic style back to Italy,” Federico explained. Both athletes expressed their admiration for the warm hospitality and scenic beauty of Kazakhstan, describing their overall experience as heartwarming.
Azan Rahim: A Journey Inspired by Turkish Cinema
Singaporean archer Azan Rahim’s passion for archery was ignited by Turkish historical dramas. “After watching a series featuring archers, I gave archery a try for fun. What began as a simple pastime soon transformed into a fervent passion,” he said. For Azan, archery transcends being just a sport; it’s a life philosophy. “Archery has instilled in me the virtues of patience and ego control. It’s about doing the right thing at the right moment in both archery and life.”
This marks Azan’s first visit to Kazakhstan, where he has been enchanted by the refreshing climate and the cultural diversity showcased at the World Nomad Games. “It’s like an Olympic Games for nomads—bringing together various ethnic groups, tribes, and cultures. While it’s a fierce competition, it’s also a joyful celebration,” he noted.
Stephanie Behrendt: From Horseback to Traditional Archery
Originally from Germany, Stephanie Behrendt took up archery as a means to bond with her horses. “I bought a bow for fun to share a unique activity with my horse,” she recounted. However, what started as a casual hobby quickly blossomed into a passion. “Attending specialized training for the thumb technique was a turning point for me,” she revealed. Stephanie emphasizes traditional archery while still incorporating horseback archery into her routine.
This is her first experience in Kazakhstan, although she has previously competed in World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan. Stephanie remarked on the event’s larger scale and organization, especially praising the spectacular opening ceremony. Outside of archery, she is a teacher with a passion for horse riding and pottery, illustrating her well-rounded interests.
Meike Stamer: Archery Born from a Pandemic
Meike Stamer’s introduction to archery occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when outdoor activities were scarce. “In Germany, I wanted to engage in something fun outdoors, so I started archery,” she shared. The unique blend of focus and physical engagement in archery appealed to her. “You move, focus, and shoot. It’s an immersive experience that demands attention solely on the target,” she added.
Like Stephanie, Meike is an educator, and she expressed her awe at Kazakhstan’s grandeur and the extensive planning of the games. “Everything is well-prepared, and the surroundings are stunning,” she commented, capturing her admiration for her new environment.
Verena Hohoff: A Decade of Traditional Archery Expertise
Verena Hohoff, also hailing from Germany, has cultivated her passion for traditional archery for over ten years. Her journey commenced with bow building, leading her to Mediterranean archery and eventually traditional archery using a short bow and thumb ring. Verena appreciates the simplicity of traditional archery, calling it “the most natural way to shoot a bow.”
Beyond archery, Verena serves as a principal and teacher, with additional hobbies in motorbiking and pottery. She encourages her students to try archery, inspiring some to take up the sport. This trip marks Verena’s first venture into Kazakhstan, where she has observed the rapid development of Astana and is intrigued by how nomadic traditions continue to thrive through the sport of archery.
Exploring the Passion for Archery Among International Athletes
Archery has continued to gain popularity across the globe, drawing enthusiasts from various backgrounds. Among them are several international athletes participating in the World Nomad Games, where they not only compete but also share their love for the sport’s historical context and cultural significance.
Italy’s Archery Enthusiasts: Stefano and Federico
Italian archers Stefano Dell’Orbo and Federico Raffa have made their way to Kazakhstan, fueled by a shared passion for history that initially attracted them to archery. Stefano began his journey in the sport seven years ago, while Federico was inspired to take up archery eight years ago, motivated by a friend involved in their sports association. Their training emphasizes traditional settings, but the nomadic archery styles they encountered at the games have sparked their imaginations.
“We are eager to embrace the nomadic style of shooting and bring it back to Italy,” Federico mentioned, highlighting the thrill of long-range archery. Both athletes expressed their appreciation for Kazakhstan’s warm hospitality and stunning landscapes, characterizing their experience as truly memorable.
Azan Rahim’s Transformation through Archery
From Singapore, Azan Rahim was inspired to try archery after watching Turkish historical dramas that showcased archery’s significance. “What began as a pastime soon transformed into a profound passion,” he shared. For Azan, the art of archery extends beyond mere sport; it has evolved into a life philosophy that teaches him patience and discipline.
His first visit to Kazakhstan has opened his eyes to the rich cultural tapestry at the World Nomad Games. “It’s like an Olympic event for various ethnic groups,” he commented, recognizing the blend of competition and cultural celebration inherent in the games.
Stephanie Behrendt: A Dual Passion for Archery and Horses
Stephanie Behrendt, hailing from Germany, initially took up archery to connect with her horses. What started as a simple hobby soon turned into an enduring passion after she trained in thumb technique archery. While she focuses on traditional archery, horseback archery still remains an integral part of her practice.
Having previously competed in Kyrgyzstan, this year marks her first visit to Kazakhstan, where she admires the event’s larger scale and organization, especially the exquisite opening ceremony. Outside of the sport, Stephanie balances her life as a teacher and enjoys horse riding and pottery, showcasing her multifaceted interests.
Maike Stamer: A Journey Born from Adversity
Maike Stamer’s entry into the realm of archery commenced during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many sought new hobbies. Discovering archery became her outlet. “It is the blend of movement and focus that captivates me,” she explained. For Maike, each shot is a momentary escape from the outside world, solely focused on the target ahead.
Verena Hohoff: A Decade of Dedication to Traditional Archery
With over ten years dedicated to traditional archery, Verena Hohoff, also from Germany, began her journey by constructing bows which led her to Mediterranean archery. Transitioning to traditional methods with a short bow and thumb ring, she finds the simplicity of this style particularly appealing.
In her professional life, Verena works as a principal and teacher, encouraging her students to explore archery, resulting in many taking on the sport. Although this is her first trip to Kazakhstan, she has noticed the city’s rapid development and appreciates how nomadic traditions continue to influence modern sports like archery.
