NDTC’s Laranjo Wins Gold at 2026 World Archery Asia Cup

By Vladimir S. Lopez

Standing on the archery line amidst top-tier athletes from 17 nations can test the nerves of even the most seasoned competitors. Moreover, those nerves proved to be the fuel for a historic international victory for Notre Dame of Tacurong College’s Alexis Angela Philippe P. Laranjo, a Grade 8 student.

Representing Sultan Kudarat and the Philippine national delegation, Laranjo captured the gold medal in the recurve under-18 mixed team event at the 2026 World Archery Asia President’s Challenge Cup and Joint Training Program, held from July 30 to August 2 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

“I felt excited to be able to join this kind of competition and be able to make connections from other countries, but it also felt overwhelming as it was only my second time playing internationally in the 2 and a half years I’ve been playing in archery,” Laranjo shared when reflecting on the competition.

“So seeing lots of other archers who were really good rattled me a bit, but it also gave me a chance to be able to learn from them as well.”

When asked about the moment she secured the gold medal, her joy was unmistakable:

“How I felt winning the gold medal, it was exhilarating and so much happiness in my heart. I was really grateful for the hardships I went through and my family being there for me, supporting me and giving me a chance to be able to stand there and win something that proved it would be forever the most memorable moment in my years of playing.”

Laranjo’s victory, a powerful testament to the dedication, resilience, and discipline fostered within NDTC’s student-athletes, serves as an inspiration to her peers, proving that with hard work, strong support systems, and unwavering focus, Notre Damians can truly take aim at the world stage and hit the bullseye.

The achievement stands out not only as a personal milestone for Laranjo, but also as a shining moment of pride for NDTC, the City of Tacurong, and the entire province of Sultan Kudarat.

Congratulations, Alexis! Your NDTC family is immensely proud of you!