Baguio archer hits target, keeps sights trained on Paralympics

Elizabeth Bayla, a Baguio-based archer, secured her spot on the international stage after clinching gold in the women’s compound open event at the Philippine National Para Games.

Bayla’s score of 620 qualified her for major competitions overseas, a milestone she’s pursued for years.

“I achieved the qualifying score of 620, allowing me to play in big tournaments overseas,” Bayla told the Inquirer after her victory at the Rizal Memorial baseball field.

She narrowly defeated Paris Paralympian Agustina Bantiloc, 132-131, in the Olympic-style final, a 15-arrow showdown that highlighted the five-day event.

Bayla, a retired online English instructor with an amputated left leg below the knee, is eager to represent the Philippines at the ASEAN Para Games in Thailand next year and the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan.

“Hopefully, I can play in all of these tournaments as well as in the (2028 Los Angeles) Paralympics, which is my ultimate dream,” Bayla said. “Everybody here dreams of playing in the Paralympics.”

In the 72-arrow elimination round, Bantiloc initially outscored Bayla, achieving 19 bullseyes. However, Bayla’s transition from recurve to compound archery paid off in the finals, where her precision led to 25 perfect hits.