A Thumb Draw Archery Festival saw more than 100 people travel to Lilleshall National Sports Centre in Shropshire, showing the demand and excitement for this traditional technique.
The event took place on 24 August with guests invited to try thumb draw archery, a technique steeped in the rich traditions of Central Asian, Islamic, and Eastern cultures. The historic discipline is experiencing a vibrant resurgence in the UK with thumb draw now set to take a significant step forward with the launch of a dedicated micro course, Instructor Award, and other coaching resources.
Held at the Performance Archery Centre, which is the home of Olympic and Paralympic archery in the UK, the day featured a mix of learning, hands-on experience, and a community celebration, including a have-a-go session and a festival-style competition delivered by Crescent Archers.
Archery GB welcomed Project Rimaya partners, new members, who affiliated especially to compete in the competition, as well as existing Archery GB members and coaches, including our 'Connecting the West Midlands' group.
Gayle Pink, Head of Participation, said: "The Thumb Draw Festival was a truly fantastic event. It was a joy to see so many people come together to explore a new archery discipline, not just learning about the equipment and techniques, but also appreciating the rich cultural and historical significance behind it. The festival demonstrated social cohesion, bringing our different archery communities together, and I'm genuinely excited about the future collaborations and the continued roll out of thumb draw."
As part of the launch event, there was an opportunity to meet Alperen Alkan, a World Champion in Horseback Archery, from Mamluk Academy, who Archery GB have partnered with to develop the new Thumb Draw Instructor Award, coaching resources, and training. Mamluk Academy provided a practical demonstrating of the thumb draw technique and an opportunity for attendees to ask questions, as well as providing prizes for the competition, organised by Crescent Archers in the afternoon.
Jamila Bi, Archery GB's Legacy Coordinator and Instructor Coach Developer, has driven this area of work, and it was her aspiration to bring our archery communities together at a special launch event.
Jamila said: "Introducing the thumb draw is more than teaching a technique; it honours the rich heritage of Muslim communities, strengthens the project's impact, and inspires more people to take up archery. I'm truly proud to be part of this journey and excited for the future we're building together."
The event marks a pivotal moment in elevating the profile and accessibility of thumb draw archery across the UK, which will further expand Project Rimaya, and demonstrates Archery GB's commitment to inclusion and community outreach.
If you are interested in learning more about thumb draw and Project Rimaya:
