India Shines at Bangkok 2026 World Archery Para Series with Record Medal Haul
Celebrating India's Archery Triumph
On Monday, the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports honored the Indian team for their remarkable achievements at the Bangkok 2026 World Archery Para Series, which took place from March 30 to April 4, 2026, in Thailand.
India's Outstanding Performance
The event featured 113 athletes from 21 nations, showcasing strong participation from both Asian and Pan-American countries. India emerged as the leading nation, topping the medal table with a total of 13 medals: seven gold, three silver, and three bronze. Indonesia followed in second place with six medals, while Thailand secured third with five, according to a statement from SAI Media.
Details of the Indian Contingent
The Indian delegation consisted of 39 members, including 21 athletes, five coaches, three support staff, and ten escorts. Their preparation and participation were funded under the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC) through the Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF) Scheme, with a total expenditure of Rs 1.04 crore and Rs 20.51 lakh respectively.
Highlights of Medal Winners
- Toman Kumar (TOPS Athlete): 3 Gold (Compound Men Open, Mixed Team, Men Team) - Sheetal Devi (TOPS Athlete): 2 Gold (Mixed Team, Women Team), 1 Silver (Women Open) - Payal Nag: 2 Gold (Women Open, Women Team) - Padma Shri Harvinder Singh (TOPS Athlete): 1 Gold (Men Team), 1 Silver (Men Open) - Shyam Sunder Swami (TOPS Athlete): 1 Gold (Men Team), 1 Bronze (Men Open) - Bhawna (NCoE Athlete): 1 Gold (Women Open), 2 Bronze (Mixed Team, Women Team) - Swati Chaudhary: 1 Silver (W1 Women) - Rajshri Dhanraj Rathod: 1 Bronze (Women's Team) - Vijay Sundi: 1 Gold (Men Team), 1 Bronze (Mixed Team)
Reflections from Athletes and Coaches
The felicitation event was graced by senior officials from the Archery Association of India, including Secretary General Virendra Sachdeva and Gautam Abrol. Athletes and coaches shared their experiences, emphasizing the competitive spirit and pride of representing India internationally. Payal Nag, recognized as the world's first quadruple amputee para archer, gained significant attention during the event.
Sheetal Devi expressed her contentment with the arrangements, stating her pride in India's top position in the medal tally. She recalled the emotional moments of seeing the Indian flag raised and hearing the national anthem multiple times, which intensified the feeling of victory.
Coach Abhilasha Chaudhary remarked on India's strong presence in the competition, noting that the country is increasingly recognized as a global force in various fields, including sports. Shyam Sunder Swami added that India's reputation preceded them, with other nations keenly observing their performance.
Minister Applauds the Achievements
Dr. Mandaviya congratulated the athletes, stating, "Your achievement not only tops the medal tally but also doubles the number of medals won by the second-place country. Your victories are not just personal; they represent the pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of New India, and your accomplishments will shape the future of sports in our country. With this performance, expectations for the Asian Games will be high—keep striving for excellence."
The Minister reaffirmed the government's dedication to supporting para-athletes through structured funding, top-notch training, and international exposure, ensuring India's continued ascent as a global sporting powerhouse.