Ahmedabad to Host World Archery Para Series for First Time

AHMEDABAD: Ahmedabad is set to enter the global para-sports map as India hosts the Hyundai World Archery Para Series 2026 for the first time, bringing more than 100 athletes from 20 countries to the Sabarmati Riverfront from September 5 to 9.

Organised by the Archery Association of India (AAI) with support from the Gujarat government, Sports Authority of Gujarat and Sports Authority of India, the five-day event will feature competitions in Recurve Open, Compound Open, W1 and Visually Impaired categories.

The tournament will be inaugurated on September 4 in Ahmedabad in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.

“Every arrow tells a story of courage,” said Sanghavi, highlighting the determination, resilience and sporting excellence of para-athletes.

He added that Gujarat’s growing reputation as a destination for international sporting events would receive a further boost through the championship, while Ahmedabad would provide a global platform for para-archery.

The international field includes athletes from countries such as China, Great Britain, France, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, the US, Russia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

India’s leading contenders include Paris 2024 Paralympic champion Harvinder Singh, world champion and Paralympic medallist Sheetal Devi, Rakesh Kumar and Shyam Sunder Swami.

AAI president Arjun Munda said hosting the series would give Indian athletes a world-class competitive opportunity and inspire a new generation.

Secretary General Virendra Sachdeva said the event would strengthen India’s para-archery ecosystem and its position on the international sporting calendar.