Gujarat will host India's first global para-archery tournament soon.
India will soon host its first-ever Hyundai World Archery Para Series. This historic sporting event brings together more than 100 top athletes from 20 nations. Competitors will gather at the iconic Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad from September 5 to September 9, 2026. This selection highlights the nation's rapidly expanding capability to organize major global sporting spectacles.
Global Talent Gathers In Gujarat
Archers will compete across four distinct categories. These include Recurve Open, Compound Open, W1, and Visually Impaired divisions. Participating countries feature a diverse lineup, bringing competitors from Great Britain, China, France, the United States, and Mexico. Leading the Indian contingent are renowned athletes who recently made waves on the world stage. Fans can watch Paris 2024 Paralympic Champion Harvinder Singh and celebrated World Para Archery Champion Sheetal Devi. Arjuna Awardee Rakesh Kumar and Paralympian Shyam Sunder Swami will also represent the host nation.
Hosting such an elite tournament serves as a crucial stepping stone for the region. Gujarat has systematically built its infrastructure over recent years to attract global competitions, transforming Ahmedabad into a premier destination for athletic excellence. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi noted that this tournament celebrates pure determination. He mentioned the opening ceremony theme will be "Every arrow tells a story of courage." Official inauguration proceedings will take place on September 4, 2026, at The Forum Hotel and Convention center in Shela. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Sanghavi will attend the ceremony.
Building Future Sporting Hubs
Organizing bodies like the Archery Association of India (AAI) and the Sports Authority of Gujarat have coordinated closely for this event. AAI President Arjun Munda expressed immense pride in securing the hosting rights. He believes this platform will inspire younger generations of local athletes to pursue professional sports.
Similarly, AAI Secretary General Virendra Sachdeva stated that bringing international competitors to Indian soil expands visibility for para-sports. Officials see this as vital groundwork for upcoming athletic calendars. India already plans to host the Asia Cup Archery tournament in 2027, proving the country is ready to become a regular fixture for international competitions.
With Inputs from Agency Threads and Phot Courtesy: ANI
